In this episode, John Warner, an influential author and educator, joins us to discuss the changing landscape of writing instruction. Rather than relying on formulaic methods such as the five-paragraph essay, we talk about writing as a way to help students think and communicate in real ways. We also examine why it matters that students write for real audiences and real purposes, especially now that AI can produce text but cannot capture human thought or experience. We consider how writing supports students’ cognitive, emotional, and executive skills, and why it remains essential despite the push to use more technology in schools.

John Warner has 20 years of college teaching experience across four different institutions, and is now a writer, editor, and frequent campus speaker focused on how to teach writing in a world with artificial intelligence.

He's the author of eight books, most recently More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI. His previous books include Why They Can’t Write: Killing the Five-Paragraph Essay and Other Necessities (Johns Hopkins UP) and The Writer’s Practice: Building Confidence in Your Nonfiction Writing (Penguin). John has been writing about higher education as a columnist at Inside Higher Ed since 2012, and writes weekly about books and reading culture at the Chicago Tribune and his associated newsletter, The Biblioracle Recommends. He is also an advisor to the social writing game Frankenstories.

Go Deeper:

• “I Let My Students Watch Me Struggle With a Masterpiece. It Changed Everything.” by Matt Dinan
• “I’m Begging You: Never Write With A.I.” by Bret Stephens
• “If You’re Over 40, You’re Ready to Use A.I.” by Debbie Millman
• “What Do Students Lose When They Stop Writing?” by Dana Goldstein
• “We Could Teach Writing, But It Will Take Resources” by John Warner

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr. Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district.

• Melanie Meehan: meehanmelanie@gmail.com
• Stacey Shubitz: stacey@staceyshubitz.com

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

In the Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie explains the power of three, a simple but effective writing technique that helps students create rhythm, build meaning, and make writing more memorable. Whether students are writing narratives, informational pieces, or arguments, three carefully selected details can transform basic text more elaborated composition.

Texts Mentioned include:

• Bat and the End of Everything by Elana K. Arnold
• The Titanic by Melissa Stewart

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr. Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district.

• Melanie Meehan: meehanmelanie@gmail.com
• Stacey Shubitz: stacey@staceyshubitz.com

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.

In this season five premiere, Stacey Shubitz and Melanie Meehan discuss the key issues affecting writing instruction at the moment. They examine the current debate over technology in the classroom, weighing the benefits and challenges of using digital tools for young writers. The conversation covers the neurological and educational value of handwriting, the increasing influence of AI and automation on student writing, and the significant role of oral language development. The hosts also explore how teachers can balance assignments with student choice to promote agency and genuine engagement in writing. Listeners can expect thought-provoking dialogue, useful insights, and a preview of upcoming conversations with expert guests.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• “Balancing Choice and Assignments in Writing Instruction: Finding Common Ground” by Stacey Shubitz
• “Connecting Caregivers: The Importance of Oral Language“ by Melanie Meehan
• Cultivating the Reader and Writer: Teaching Literacy as an Integrated Science by Young-Suk Grace Kim
• Finding Common Ground Blog Series (August 2026) by the Co-Authors of TWTBlog
• Foundational Skills for Writing: A Brain-Based Guide to Strengthen Executive Functions, Language, and Other Cornerstones for Writers by Melanie Meehan and Maggie Beattie Roberts
• More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI by John Warner
• Writing Workshop in Contentious Times: A Digging Deeper Dialogue with Stacey Shubitz and Melanie Meehan

Thanks to our affiliate, Zencastr. Use our special link (https://zen.ai/mqsr2kHXSP2YaA1nAh2EpHl-bWR9QNvFyAQlDC3CiEk) to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan.

Send us Fan Mail

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform.

You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district.

• Melanie Meehan: meehanmelanie@gmail.com
• Stacey Shubitz: stacey@staceyshubitz.com

Email us at contact@twowritingteachers.org for affiliate or sponsorship opportunities.

For more about teaching writing, head to the Two Writing Teachers blog.