Love teaching writing.
The Writing Teacher
Providing professional development to positively transform achievement in your school.
Through The Writing Teacher, I provide professional development to positively transform achievement in your school. I offer workshops, in-school professional learning, one-on-one coaching, and a growing collection of practical resources—both free and paid.
I specialise in the teaching of writing, reading, and in using feedback to enhance student motivation and agency. My methods are practical and fun. I build on teachers’ strengths and encourage them to work smarter—not harder. I understand the pressures of the classroom and provide a variety of learning experiences, including working alongside teachers—modelling teaching strategies and ‘walking the talk’.
Email me if you would like to talk about how I can support your team.
Wow! Wow! Wow! What a staff meeting! That was absolutely outstanding. Thanks, Helen.
The content was exceptional as it made us think, made us reflect, challenged us and was all based on empirical research about effective practice and explicit, direct instruction! So many gems you gave us this afternoon…
The teachers were buzzing and there were a lot of conversations after you left.
Regan Orr, Principal, Central Normal School
What we are seeing is so exciting!
As a result of this approach, our classrooms now have clear, consistent routines in place. Students know what’s expected - there’s no guesswork. They understand what’s coming and are beginning to pre-empt the process. The scaffolding is strong, and we can see students genuinely rediscovering a love for writing, especially with such engaging content.
Erica Leggett, team leader, Adventure School
I have just completed the “Addressing Writing Difficulties in Middle and Senior Classes” this afternoon and I have to say, I’d find it hard to imagine a more perfect PLD session.
I cannot recommend this highly enough for any teacher who wants to learn the most effective and efficient methods of improving outcomes for their struggling writers.
Penny Bond, Structured Literacy Tutor
Resources
We have a range of affordable resources available to support teachers across New Zealand.
Helen Walls - Founder
Helen Walls is a professional learning facilitator, literacy specialist, and educational researcher with over 20 years’ experience working in New Zealand schools.
Helen’s PhD explored the teaching of writing and how teacher beliefs impact student success. Through The Writing Teacher, which she founded in 2021, Helen shares practical, evidence-based methods to lift achievement in writing—working alongside teachers, leading workshops, and publishing her research.
She is also the co-author of How to Teach Writing, Spelling and Grammar, as well as other research-informed guides for effective literacy instruction in New Zealand classrooms.
Workshops
Check out our frequently run workshops.
Introductory Workshop for Structured Approaches to Teaching Writing
Understanding and addressing Writing difficulties in middle and senior students
