Why Students Hate Writing (From Someone Who Teaches It)

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, July/August 2019 Issue

By Josh Schultheis

I love literature. That’s why I became a high school English teacher.

Recently, my sister asked me to help edit an essay as part of her medical school application. My sister, just as a brief disclaimer, is a borderline genius. Perfect GPA. Multiple college scholarships. Her task was to explain why she wanted to become a doctor. It couldn’t have been any simpler.

I did my part as the English teacher: corrected grammar, fixed passive voice issues, made things sound pretty, and all other typical “make this good” writing help. What confused me however, was that this portion of the application stressed her the most. “I suck at writing. I hate it,” she lamented. I was utterly stunned.

She literally was writing about wanting to become a doctor—her life goal since we were in diapers. How could she hate this? I have come to realize this: it’s not the topic (that my sister could talk about for days) she hated; she, like so many other young people, had been conditioned to hate writing because of the way it was taught.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Josh Schultheis has a BA from Indiana University. He has been teaching English and writing at Brownsburg High School in Indiana for the past six years.

Education News

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

For 8th Straight Year, 100% of Success Academy Grads Accepted to 4-Year Colleges

66% of students were accepted to selective institutions. Graduates were awarded more than $20 million in financial aid.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Josh Schultheis
Josh Schultheis
Josh Schultheis has a BA from Indiana University. He has been teaching English and writing at Brownsburg High School in Indiana for the past six years.

Advertisement

Read More

The Power of Music and Melody: Using Songs to Engage Young Learners

By harnessing the power of music, teachers can create a lively and dynamic atmosphere that also improves concentration, focus, and retention.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

Real (and Really Funny) Math

I'm an author of math books, which may sound like a dry job, but that’s exactly why I do it. It’s my goal to show kids that math can be fun (and funny!)

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Exploring Indigenous Culture Through the Senses: A Transformative Learning Experience

At McKenzie Towne School in Alberta, students are learning through touch, scent, and sound with the Indigenous Sensory Box Project.

The Positive Impacts of Computer Science: What Every Teacher and Administrator Should Know

After working as both a teacher and an administrator, I know how much of a difference it can make when school leaders truly appreciate the power of computer science.
best casino slot websites | hack casino | casino leon | game roblox mien phi | xsbinh vuong | casino deposit paysafecard | expansion slots | jogar slots online | sunrise casino nha trang | grand villa casino vancouver | next co uk vip sale slot | casino in bangkok pattaya | genting casino liverpool | minecraft 1 18 tiếng việt | minecraft slot machine plugin | casino roulette tips and tricks | all slots canada | best no deposit casino bonus codes | mơ thấy chó con | free 5 no deposit casino uk | van quang log qua doi | casino phượng hoàng bắc ninh | nằm mơ thấy vàng | cherry jackpot casino no deposit bonus | max attunement slots dark souls 3 | casino đà nẵng | en kazançlı slot oyunu | black mummy slot | truyen tranh sex mau | thống kê hai số giải đặc biệt | soi cau tg | gladiator slot review | fortune bay casino minnesota | nuoi lo khung net | online casino roulette 10 cent | xstv hang tuan | winning room casino review | kim sa casino | hoá ra em rất yêu anh tập 20 | golden goddess free slot machine | casino trực tuyến atut | foxy casino review | tên liên quân kí tự đẹp | Chơi game bài Tiến lên miền Nam miễn phí | casino online tgtub | pragmatic slot demo | chơi casino trực tuyến | sidewinder slot | bet365 casino apk | tai game naruto đại chiến | soi cầu kép hôm nay | casino based on | slot machine card | siti casino online |