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

A Summer Pause

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Karen Filewych

Anne Lamott once said, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Now that you’ve had some time away from the classroom, take note of how you’re feeling. Are you breathing a little easier… taking more than 3.7 minutes to eat lunch… finding time for you and your family?

I certainly hope so as your summer break is well-deserved!

When the school year begins, we know how quickly things get hectic. Before you return to the classroom, take some time to remember your why.

Why did I choose this noble profession?
What do I want my students to learn from me?
What is it about this career that makes me smile?
What might I do each school day to unplug and reset?
Which colleague might I collaborate with to ensure we work smarter not harder?

Talk with a colleague or friend about these questions, freewrite, or simply take the time to reflect–whatever will help you give them some serious thought.

Consider this your reminder: you matter and what you do matters. Be gentle with yourself.

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