“Renewal is the principle – and the process – that empowers us to move on an upward spiral of growth and change, of continuous improvement” (Stephen R. Covey). In this quote, fans of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People may recognize an illustration of Habit #7 – Sharpen the Saw®. For teachers, the summer break is an opportunity to sharpen our saws. Using this time to relax, read, or take a class, we are able to reflect on the previous year and consider ways to nourish and enhance our teaching skills. The KIPP Foundation Public Charter Schools Framework for Excellent Teaching calls for teachers to take advantage of learning opportunities both in and out of school. The framework describes an excellent teacher as one who “doesn’t settle or sit, but grows.”
IEW is committed to helping teachers sharpen their saws by offering events and resources designed to improve their mastery of the Structure and Style® writing method. As has been our tradition for the past several years, this summer we are hosting the live Virtual Teaching Writing: Structure and Style workshop. This event includes a focus on encouraging and supporting participants to complete the TWSS practicum assignments and become an Accredited IEW® Instructor.
The virtual workshop, which takes place features live, interactive instruction of Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, led by IEW Implementation Coach Jeff Nease. This workshop is designed with teachers in mind, combining live-streamed sessions with independent assignments as participants watch portions of the video seminar and finish the practicum exercises between sessions. During the presentation, participants can ask questions using the chat feature, and IEW Educational Consultants will answer in real time. Participants will receive a certificate following the seminar and can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs). For more information or to register for this seminar, visit the Virtual Teaching Writing: Structure and Style page on the website.
On July 25, 2026, we warmly invite you to attend the IEW Annual Educators’ Conference. This special online and in-person event is a great way to invest in yourself as you transition toward summer and all of the academic planning for the upcoming school year. Conference attendees will join from all over the world, creating many opportunities for collaboration and encouragement. Beginning at 9:00 AM Central Time, the day will be filled with four sessions specifically designed to empower and encourage you to be the best possible educator you can be. In addition to our flagship teacher training course, IEW is known for the variety of saw-sharpening resources available on our IEW Resources page. Here is a sampling of blogs, podcasts, articles, and talks to help you hone your teaching skills this summer.
Blogs
Updated and Refined for a New Generation
The Value of the Practicum Exercises in the Structure and Style Seminar
Premium Membership
An Exciting Addition to Premium Membership: TTAP
Ten Tools for the Journey: Accreditation and CEUs
Podcasts
Virtual Teaching Writing Structure and Style (Episode 534)
Sharpening the Saw – Maintaining Your Edge as a Teacher (Episode 324)
How to Teach Writing with Confidence (Episode 339)
Summer Writing Ideas (Episode 373)
Homeschooling 101 – How to Prepare for the Fall (Episode 375)
Articles
However Imperfectly: Lessons Learned from Thirty Years of Teaching
Low-Tech Teaching with High-End Results
What is IEW? Method not Madness
The Art of Teaching a Skill, or The Skill of Teaching an Art
Talks
Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing
Reaching the Reluctant Writer
Cultivating Language Arts – Preschool through High School
We hope this summer provides a little time to relax as you reflect on the past year and ponder the year ahead. As you consider ways to sharpen your saw, IEW’s summer events and resources will encourage you to grow and improve as a teacher. We’re here to support you as you do!
by Jean Nichols
Sharpen the Saw® is a registered trademark of Franklin Covey Co. which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this article.
