Words Change Worlds

"When teaching grade one I noticed how language — specifically learning to read and write — empowered students. This idea has captivated me since. Join me in my quest to change the world through words."
-Karen Filewych

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Literacy Instruction Matters

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This practical, comprehensive overview of literacy instruction equips teachers with the tools, understanding, and confidence to meet the literacy needs of students.

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What people are saying

After reading Karen's book, Literacy Leadership Matters, I really appreciated her insights and was inspired to action her advice that literacy learning can be fostered outside the classroom in non-evaluative ways. I launched a Writer's Craft club in the fall and, with two other teacher leaders, opening it up to bi-monthly sessions for K-8 students. By January, we had around 50 students writing for the fun of it using mediums that included stories, animation, poems, song lyrics, picture books, and the contents of the soccer card that a student imagined seeing about himself in his future. Some students wrote independently, and some collaborated across classes and grade levels. We were building a literacy culture beyond curriculum and grades. Karen's work is always practical and powerful, and this was one of those "look-for” moments to help leaders observe and support classroom practice.

Noa Daniel, classroom teacher, writer, and speaker

Thank you for the wonderful month of learning and inspiration. We have loved having you in our school and the "buzz" around writing among staff and students has been exciting!

Kendall Monti
Learning Coach, Landing Trail School

Karen, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom, experience, and most importantly your passion with us. It is contagious in the most positive way - the chatter and excitement with our staff is palpable and we are looking forward to continuing to learn with you.

Rebecca Martini Assistant Principal

Karen’s passion for literacy easily comes across in her lessons to the children. I have been a classroom teacher for 25 years, and I was very impressed with how my students were genuinely engaged in lessons that were tailored specifically to activities we were working on in our class. I look forward to welcoming Karen and her expertise into my class again!

Warren Letchford Edmonton Teacher

Expectations for our provincial-wide annual event are always high and Karen Filewych did not fail to deliver! Attendee feedback was off the charts for Karen. Her knowledge of the topic, connecting to our province’s ELA curriculum, organization, ease to work with and ability to connect with a ‘virtual’ audience were exceptional. Karen’s presentation was bursting with unique ideas, and real-life examples linking her own experiences as an educator and writer resonated with her audience. Teachers left energized and eager to use what they learned with their students. We hope to work again with Karen one day soon!

Jackie Parsons 2021 MTS PD Day Chair
Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg

This week on the Words Change Worlds blog

“You are one of one.”

Posted on June 21, 2026 by Karen Filewych

I recently heard an interview with author Dave Eggers. He was asked what he wants younger generations to understand. He answered with his “AI rant” which he says he shares once a week with students and teachers.

As he explains, we’re in an era where a whole generation is tempted to have a machine write for them. “You are one of one: unprecedented in the history of human evolution. There’s only one of you.” “So to give your voice to a machine, to say speak for me, I’m going to be silent and I’m going to tell a machine to express myself or to tell my narrative is such a crime against yourself.” He reiterates how important it is that we as the adults–parents and teachers–let students know that their drafts are valued, all drafts, so they know there are humans that want to hear their voices. “Let’s hear your truth even if it’s raw, even if it’s unpolished, even if it doesn’t come in the five-paragraph essay… let’s have it straight from you.” He praises teachers who have their students handwrite in class to value and preserve student voices.

Every time I sign a writing contract, there are an increasing number of clauses dealing with AI. The one I signed this week had a full page of such clauses. I am also querying agents for another project. As writers, we now have to confirm that no part of our book or query package was created by AI. “Any work created partially or fully with generative AI will be automatically rejected.” And honestly, I appreciate the publishing industry protecting our voices; I’m happy to sign these contracts and confirm that I haven’t given my voice over to a machine.

It seems we can’t go a day without hearing about the impact of AI. Individuals using AI to scam grandparents by replicating their grandchild’s voice, claiming they are in trouble and asking for money. ChatGPT goading individuals to commit suicide. Teenagers using AI to create and distribute sexually explicit photos of classmates. All terrifying stuff.

I’m sorry. Heavy content for our June brains, I know. Heavy but vital.

Today’s last word’s are Dave Eggers’, a message to both you and your students: “Your voice is essential. The human chorus is incomplete without your voice.”

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