Jen Vincent, Head Story Explorer
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Dear Teacher,
You know what it’s like to cheer your students on as they bravely put words on paper. You know you’re here to teach with heart—to lead with intention, curiosity, and love. You also know what it feels like when your teaching starts to feel disconnected or overwhelming. I’ve been there. Everything shifted when I realized that writing isn’t about being celebrated by others—it’s about knowing, understanding, and loving yourself. When I began writing to explore my own story, I discovered that writing is the very best self care—and it transformed how I teach it, too. That journey inspired Living the Life of a Writer: 6 Practices Student Writers Have, Know, and Do — my book for teachers who want to center student writers, build confidence, and create meaningful writing experiences. I’m committed to nurturing our fun and funky, inclusive Story Exploratory community and sharing meaningful, curated resources to help YOU feel more confident teaching writing — and maybe even reconnect with your own writing life along the way. You’ll love what happens when you and your students begin living the life of a writer — and I can’t wait to see where it takes you. 
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More about me: I'm Jen Vincent and I'm a Latinx writer, blogger, and educator. I write picture books, young adult novels, and personal essays. All of my writing is #ownvoices because even though I was born here in the US, my mom’s side of the family is from Guatemala. Growing up, I didn’t see myself in books (I still struggle to even today!) and my goal is for Latinx youth like me to see themselves in books and to also see themselves in the author who writes those books but at the same time for all readers to see this as well. I have spent 20+ years in public school systems big and small, in special education, dual language, and mainstream education, as a teacher, mentor, curriculum coordinator, tech integration specialist, and coach. In working with students, caregivers, teachers, librarians, and administrators, I know everyone deserves to be seen and it's my mission to ensure Story Exploratory is a space that not only sees people but celebrates them. If radical self love is our destination, writing is our path to get there.