Remembering Marci Resnick

Long-time Philadelphia elementary school teacher and teacher educator Marci Resnick, a key figure in the Philadelphia Writing Project and later the National Writing Project, died in May of lung cancer.

Building upon a successful career as a teacher at Mitchell and Emlen Elementary schools, her work grew to reach and influence many teachers in Philadelphia and across the country. She came to the Philadelphia Writing Project for a summer institute and joined it as a teacher consultant in 1990, while continuing to work on her own teaching and writing about her work. In 1995, she became director of the Philadelphia Writing Project.

“Marci was good at whatever she did,” said friend and colleague Dina Portnoy, a veteran teacher. “Everything that she did was about making our world better and asking hard questions about improving the lives of those who live with poverty and racism; helping children become thoughtful, literate, and engaged; making the public school system better and the work of teachers in Philadelphia and everywhere respected and fulfilling.”

A fund in her name will support the work of elementary school teachers in urban schools. Donations can be sent to the Marci Resnick Teacher Fund, c/o Philadelphia Writing Project, 4201 Spruce Street, Building 1921, Philadelphia, PA 19104. For more information, call 215-898-1919.