because writing is revolutionary

The Writers in the Schools Alliance (WITS Alliance) is a professional network of literary arts education programs and individuals who serve K-12 students and provide professional development for their teachers. The vision of the WITS Alliance is that every child will have the opportunity to work with a professional writer to develop the tools necessary for success.

Members, whether individuals or organizations, engage children in the joy and power of reading and writing through long-term writer-in-residency programs in their classrooms. Intensive literary arts instruction enhances the public school environment and gives children the opportunity to develop effective communication and critical thinking skills. As a result students are empowered both emotionally and academically and are better prepared for the future.

The book fair at the AWP Conference

WITSA at AWP

The Writers in the Schools Alliance is proud to be a literary partner of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) annual conference.

Each year, WITSA holds a member meeting at the AWP conference. In addition, WITSA may host panel discussions and a booth at the AWP book fair. Find us at #AWP26 - at one of the events listed below!

For more information about these events, visit AWP Conference.

Find us at #AWP26! *

Find us at #AWP26! *

March 4-7, 2026 - Bookfair

Baltimore Convention Center - Booth/Table Number: T1148

Stop by our booth to learn more about the Writers in the Schools Alliance, get resources & giveaways, and find ways to connect with a writing program near you!

Thursday, March 5, 10:35am-11:50 am

WITS Alliance Annual Meeting

Baltimore Convention Center - Room 324, Level 300 | Session Code T144

Join other teaching writers and writer-in-the-school programs to discuss the rewards and challenges of the field at this moment. Goals for this meeting are to forge stronger connections within the network of WITSA organizations and practitioners and to set the coalition’s agenda for the year ahead. This meeting is open to anyone interested in the work of writer-in-the-school teaching artists, programs, and organizations.

Saturday, March 7, 3:20 pm-4:35 pm

Writing in Circles: Nurturing the Art in Teaching Artists, Sponsored by WITS Alliance

Baltimore Convention Center - Room 315, Level 300 | Session Code S204

Writing in Circles: Nurturing the Art in Teaching Artists, Sponsored by WITS Alliance
Writing is considered to be a lonely art form most often practiced in isolation. Writers who teach are no different, adding curriculum development and facilitation to the load of drafting, research, and revision. This panel proposes a more holistic and beneficial alternative: where literary teaching artists maintain their writing practice in community with and among other writers.

PANELISTS:

  • Daemond Arrindell, writer/teaching artist

  • Javan Howard, Community Word Project, poet/teaching artist

  • Ellen Hagan, Dreamyard

  • Michele Kotler, Community Word Project

Member Organizations

With 38 member organizations, the WITS Alliance serves over 100,000 students each year.  The core values of the WITS Alliance are:

  • A literary education is the birthright of every child,

  • All students benefit from exposure to literature from a diverse range of authors,

  • Active involvement in the literary arts increases student engagement in school and contributes to improved academic performance,

  • Public celebration of student writing through publications and readings builds self-esteem,

  • Collaboration with professional writers in designing writing curriculum provides valuable hands-on professional development for teachers, and

  • Partnerships between teachers and professional writers create lesson plans that result in a richer classroom experience.

Across the nation and around the globe, the WITS approach is helping students become motivated to learn and engaged in their own futures. 

wits in the east

wits in the west

wits in the south

wits in the midwest

wits international

Let’s Work Together

WITS Alliance is a volunteer member-led coalition. Connect with a WITS Alliance organization in your area by clicking on one of the organization links above.

If you’d like to learn more about the WITS Alliance or become a member, click one of the buttons below.

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