On May 20, 2024, The Writing Revolution hosted its 10th Anniversary Lighthouse Gala at New York City’s Tribeca Rooftop. Nearly 200 attendees came together to celebrate a decade of delivering explicit writing instruction to educators across the U.S. and around the world. This sold-out event marked a significant milestone in our mission to transform writing education.
TWR Board Chair and event co-chair, Lisa Amato, provided opening remarks describing the transformative power of the Hochman Method. Joie Langford, Director of Development, followed by emphasizing TWR’s commitment to ensuring all educators and students have access to this effective approach.
)
)
Drs. Dina Zoleo and Toni-Ann Vroom, TWR’s Co-Chief Executive Officers, presented the Revolutionary Icon Award to Judith C. Hochman, founder of The Writing Revolution and creator of the Hochman Method. Drs. Zoleo and Vroom surprised Dr. Hochman with a video tribute featuring some of the thousands of educators whose teaching has been transformed by embedding TWR strategies into their classroom instruction.
TWR Board Chair and event co-chair, Lisa Amato, provided opening remarks describing the transformative power of the Hochman Method. Joie Langford, Director of Development, followed by emphasizing TWR’s commitment to ensuring all educators and students have access to this effective approach.
Guests enjoyed dinner and conversation, followed by a film highlighting the transformational partnership between TWR and Monroe City Schools (MCS) in Louisiana. MCS has become a lighthouse district for writing instruction, serving as a model for other districts.
)
TWR honored four esteemed educational leaders who have championed Dr. Hochman’s life work. The Beacon of Excellence Award in Advocacy was presented to Jean-Claude Brizard, President and CEO of Digital Promise, who accepted in absentia; and Natalie Wexler, co-author of The Writing Revolution and author of The Knowledge Gap.
The Beacon of Excellence Award in Leadership was presented to Deirdre DeAngelis-D’Alessio, retired Principal of New Dorp High School and TWR Board Member; and Gwendolyn Payton, Instructional Superintendent at District of Columbia Public Schools.
During the event, honorees were joined by Brittany Robinson, Principal at Clara Hall Elementary School in Monroe, Louisiana, for a panel discussion led by TWR’s Alexandria Chalonec, Co-Director of Academics. Panelists shared their personal experiences with TWR and the impact of the Hochman Method on teachers and students.
)
TWR Board member Kathleen Abrahamson received the Catalyst for Educational Impact Award for her generosity through the Abrahamson Scholarship, which has allowed hundreds of educators to receive training in TWR strategies. Her commitment to educational access and equity has been instrumental in expanding our reach to educators who may not have had the financial resources to access this training on their own.
To cap off an unforgettable night, co-chairs Lisa and Joseph Amato were presented with the Champions of Change Award in recognition of their exemplary dedication and support of The Writing Revolution.
)
)
)
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Board, staff, and supporters for attending our 10th-year anniversary event and making it a memorable evening.
Event Spotlight
Achieving Progress Through Partnership
Our partnership with Monroe City Schools (MCS) in Louisiana provides a model for how students can develop skills – and excel academically – with explicit writing instruction.
