“Zing! is a wonderful book that encourages others to be creative by sharing what has worked for Pat Mora in all of her creative efforts.”

—Camila A. Alire, Dean Emeritus University of New Mexico

In a series of letters to teachers written with her signature poetic grace, Pat Mora gently reminds us of the potential in ourselves and our students.”

—Lee Galda, Professor University of Minnesota

In this era of mandates, accountability and adherence to canned curricula, Mora reminds us that great educators are fueled by passion and creativity.”

—Gary Bloom, Superintendent Santa Cruz City Schools, Soquel, CA

Cultivate your own creativity and the creative potential of all your students!

Zing! Seven Creativity Practices for Educators and Students is a beautifully written guide that offers seven powerful practices for personal creativity and professional inventiveness. For each of the seven practices, author Pat Mora proposes seven symbols and presents parallel exercises for teachers and students. Evocatively written in the form of letters to teachers and librarians, this book:

Helps educators access their creative selves and, in the process, become better teachers; Nurtures students in expressing themselves through writing and other creative pursuits; Includes activities at the end of each chapter

This moving and inspirational volume serves as a reminder that inventive teaching is truly an art form that enriches lives and transforms teachers and students.

You can watch Pat Mora speak about honoring educators, the importance of reflection, and writing letters to educators all as ways to improve teaching practice through creativity.

Pat Mora was named one of the “Fifty Most Inspiring Authors in the World” by Poets & Writers magazine. Click here to see the full list.

Steadily Persist in Your Creative Work

Steadily persist in your creative work

Dear Teacher

Me writing in an Italian castle? Can you imagine such an opportunity? I certainly couldn't until a bit of magic happened. A letter informed me that I'd received a Civitella Ranieri Fellowship to spend a few weeks writing in Italy—in a castle.

An extra bonus was that my husband, Vern, would accompany me and work on his projects too. En route to our writing adventure, we visited Rome where the sight and sound of grand fountains had particular appeal because a heat wave greeted us. In Venice, we rode the boats that function as buses down the green canals winding by two- and three-story houses painted the color of spices: paprika, mustard, and cinnamon. ...

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