Current Introduction about Finch

Your introduction is heartfelt and inspiring, highlighting the importance of writing and the creation of Finch. However, there are a few areas where your ideas might meet with objections from teachers or educators. Below, I’ve outlined potential concerns and suggested ways to address them:

1. Emphasis on Low ELA State Scores:
– Potential Objection: Teachers might feel defensive or criticized for the low ELA state scores, feeling that their efforts are not being recognized.
– Suggestion: Highlighting collaboration and shared goals can mitigate this. For example:
```markdown
Several years ago, I noticed that despite our high-performing district, our ELA state scores showed room for growth. This spurred a collective effort to explore more effective reading and writing strategies.
```

2. Radical Curriculum Changes:
– Potential Objection: Your statement “I won’t rest until I change curriculums in education” could be seen as disregarding current efforts and methodologies.
– Suggestion: Acknowledge the work already being done and position your initiative as complementary:
```markdown
My aim is to build on the excellent work our educators are already doing and introduce new, research-backed strategies to further enhance our curriculum.
```

3. Generalized Criticism of Existing Writing Practices:
– Potential Objection: Teachers might feel that the current practices are being dismissed or overly generalized as inadequate.
– Suggestion: Offer constructive insight and collaboration opportunities:
```markdown
While many effective writing practices are already in place, I believe there is additional potential in fostering environments where writing is an exploratory and deeply personal process. Collaboratively, we can create these spaces together.
```

4. Introduction of AI Mentors:
– Potential Objection: The mention of AI as mentors might be met with skepticism regarding its effectiveness and potential to replace human educators.
– Suggestion: Clarify the role of AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement:
```markdown
Along with human mentors, we also seek to integrate AI as supportive tools that can offer additional feedback and inspiration, enhancing the learning experience without replacing the invaluable human connection.
```

5. Freedom and Structure in Writing:
– Potential Objection: The idea that students need the freedom to explore might conflict with the need for structure and standards in writing education.
– Suggestion: Emphasize a balance between freedom and guided instruction:
```markdown
We believe in striking a balance where students are given the freedom to explore their ideas within a guided framework that helps them refine their thoughts and develop their writing skills meaningfully.
```

1. Revised Paragraphs:

1. Introduction:
   ```markdown
   Thank you for joining us today to celebrate your children’s words.
   ```

1. Passion and Inspiration:
   ```markdown
   Finch has been a dream of mine for many years. It was born out of a recognized need in our educational system. Several years ago, I noticed that despite our high-performing district, our ELA state scores showed room for growth. This spurred a collective effort to explore more effective reading and writing strategies, which ignited my passion for change.

My journey led me to read extensively on the subject, become a teacher leader for the National Writing Project, regularly present at the National Council of Teachers of English, and publish my findings with Drew University and the National Writing Project. My mission is to build on the excellent work our educators are already doing and introduce new, research-backed strategies to further enhance our curriculum.
```

1. Vision of Finch:
   ```markdown
   At Finch, we aim for every child to feel like a writer. They don’t have to aspire to be authors, though that’s wonderful if they do. What’s more important is that they see themselves as writers—individuals who understand the power of words and appreciate writing as essential to human understanding.
   ```

1. The Writing Environment:
   ```markdown
   In typical school settings, writing is often used to assess knowledge, following prescribed formulas or templates on school-selected topics. However, true writing, fostered in its natural environment, is a powerful tool for clarifying thoughts and ideas. But it requires a particular environment enriched with space, time, love, safety, inspiration, and mentorship—both human and supportive AI tools. Along with human mentors, we also seek to integrate AI as supportive tools that can offer additional feedback and inspiration, enhancing the learning experience without replacing the invaluable human connection.

Children need the freedom to be confused, the permission to shift ideas, and the empowerment to explore thoughts deeply, even if they later abandon them. They need to trust that their ideas are valuable and deserving of an audience. They need the courage to struggle through the writing process and the love to persevere to create something meaningful.
```

1. Discovery and Perseverance:
   ```markdown
   Writing is a messy and arduous task. Yet, once you experience its energy, satisfaction, and magic, it becomes an indelible part of you.
   ```

1. Conclusion:
   ```markdown
   We created Finch to be that place—a sanctuary where children can discover the magic of writing.
   ```

1. Final Note:
   This revised version maintains the original passion while addressing potential objections. Consider making these adjustments to foster collaboration and understanding among teachers and educators.