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

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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.

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What people are saying

After reading Karen's book, Literacy Leadership Matters, I really appreciated her insights and was inspired to action her advice that literacy learning can be fostered outside the classroom in non-evaluative ways. I launched a Writer's Craft club in the fall and, with two other teacher leaders, opening it up to bi-monthly sessions for K-8 students. By January, we had around 50 students writing for the fun of it using mediums that included stories, animation, poems, song lyrics, picture books, and the contents of the soccer card that a student imagined seeing about himself in his future. Some students wrote independently, and some collaborated across classes and grade levels. We were building a literacy culture beyond curriculum and grades. Karen's work is always practical and powerful, and this was one of those "look-for” moments to help leaders observe and support classroom practice.

Noa Daniel, classroom teacher, writer, and speaker

Thank you for the wonderful month of learning and inspiration. We have loved having you in our school and the "buzz" around writing among staff and students has been exciting!

Kendall Monti
Learning Coach, Landing Trail School

Karen, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom, experience, and most importantly your passion with us. It is contagious in the most positive way - the chatter and excitement with our staff is palpable and we are looking forward to continuing to learn with you.

Rebecca Martini Assistant Principal

Karen’s passion for literacy easily comes across in her lessons to the children. I have been a classroom teacher for 25 years, and I was very impressed with how my students were genuinely engaged in lessons that were tailored specifically to activities we were working on in our class. I look forward to welcoming Karen and her expertise into my class again!

Warren Letchford Edmonton Teacher

Expectations for our provincial-wide annual event are always high and Karen Filewych did not fail to deliver! Attendee feedback was off the charts for Karen. Her knowledge of the topic, connecting to our province’s ELA curriculum, organization, ease to work with and ability to connect with a ‘virtual’ audience were exceptional. Karen’s presentation was bursting with unique ideas, and real-life examples linking her own experiences as an educator and writer resonated with her audience. Teachers left energized and eager to use what they learned with their students. We hope to work again with Karen one day soon!

Jackie Parsons 2021 MTS PD Day Chair
Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg

This week on the Words Change Worlds blog

Legacy

Posted on January 11, 2026 by Karen Filewych

Last week several world events and a few personal encounters prompted me to reflect on life and legacy.

Sometimes the big picture can be overwhelming. Let’s face it, 2026 already seems rather heavy. Instead of becoming debilitated by fear or sadness, I’m trying to think about how I can make an impact in my world, in my roles, and through my writing. What legacy can I leave–despite, or maybe in spite of–what’s going on in the world?

If you read last week’s blog, you know my ‘one little word’ this year is love. If I use this word to guide my interactions, I am hoping my legacy will be a positive one, no matter how small.

Yesterday I attended a funeral of a man whose legacy will most certainly be love and connection. It was clear from the church full of people that he impacted many–including many former colleagues. It was clear from his children that his legacy will live on.

If you’re like me and sometimes feeling overwhelmed with life these days, join me in striving to be a positive influence in your small circle. The ripples that we may never see or realize, may in fact, become our legacy.

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