and 13 are from Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School in Columbus, OH.

Based on the participants’ reflections, I was not the only one to find value in these meetings: along with practical suggestions and stories of real classroom experiences, we all benefited from sharing that refreshing, safe space to discuss needs, question efforts and receive validation.

In reflecting on last fall’s NEW PEN experience, I find that I miss those energizing conversations. I look forward to reconnecting and expanding the cohort when the next round of NEW PEN is beginning to take shape. I am excited to see this forum grow, to really inspire new-to-progressive (and experienced) educators,and to connect and foster the networking part of PEN. I am hopeful that we will strengthen already existing relationships and build new ones on the common foundation of being practitioners of progressive education.

About the Author Andrew Williams is a 4th and 5th grade multi-age classroom teacher at Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School in Upper Arlington, Ohio. He also serves as the Secretary of the Board of Directors of PEN. He can be reached at awilliams@uaschools.org.