Karen Filewych

Karen has over twenty-five years of educational experience as a teacher, school administrator, and language arts consultant. She enjoys sharing her love of literacy with teachers and students. She is now booking professional development for teachers for the 2024-2025 school year. She is fully booked for residencies!

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Words Change Worlds

"When teaching grade one I noticed how language — specifically learning to read and write — empowered students. This idea has captivated me since. Join me in my quest to change the world through words."
-Karen Filewych


Coming January 2025

Literacy Instruction Matters

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This practical, comprehensive overview of literacy instruction equips teachers with the tools, understanding, and confidence to meet the literacy needs of students.



This week on the Words Change Worlds blog

The Courage to Be Kind

Last week we were lucky enough to be in New York City, a city I can’t get enough of, it seems. We soaked up the sun in Central Park where the leaves were a feast for the eyes. We enjoyed a day surrounded by the masters at The Met. We spent some time at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. And we were fortunate to see three Broadway plays.

Although I’ve been to NYC before, last week I was struck by thoughts different than during my previous visits. The reason, I’m sure: the upcoming U.S. election. As we watched the Broadway shows and as we toured the 9/11 Museum, I was again reminded of the importance of story. Stories connect us to others. Stories reveal our humanity. Stories invite us into worlds, experiences, and perspectives other than our own. These opportunities seem especially important in this blatantly divided world we live in.

Even though I do not live in the United States, I admit to being anxious about the week ahead. Regardless of the result of the election, there will be intense emotion and potential violence. My hope: that we seek to understand each other on a human level and approach everyone with kindness despite differing opinions.

Have you noticed that children sometimes seem more open and accepting than the adults around them? As teachers, we have an incredible opportunity to share stories with diverse characters and perspectives, to engage in meaningful–and sometimes difficult–conversation, and to help nurture a sense of empathy.

As Maya Angelou once said, sometimes, “It takes courage to be kind.” This quote in and of itself would be a provocative discussion starter for our students.

Let’s face the week ahead with courage and kindness. We may not be able to affect what goes on south of the border, but we can affect our own orbit…

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