About

Who’s Writing?

Always Learning? That’s me.

Hi, I’m Norma—the learner behind Always Learning HQ.

I hold a BA in Education (concentration in English) and an MA in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With nearly four decades in education, I’ve taught English literature at both the middle and high school levels, from remedial classes to Advanced Placement Literature and Composition.

I’ve always loved unpacking literature with a classroom full of curious (and often rowdy) students, but my favorite courses to teach are writing courses.

Since 1988, I’ve designed curriculum and resources for a wide range of writing courses, covering everything from fiction and poetry to classical argumentation, journalism, script writing, and personal narratives. There’s nothing quite like seeing a student fall in love with storytelling.

Over the years, I’ve been privileged to teach students who’ve gone on to become media professionals—broadcasters, podcasters, reporters, analysts, and storytellers of all kinds.

In 2022, I stepped into a new role at my school. I now teach an Introduction to Journalism and Media course and a production-level journalism/media class. I spend the rest of my part-time hours as the school’s content specialist. This new rhythm has given me more time to explore, write, and create. Right now, I’m doing a deep dive into personal narrative, and I can’t wait to share what I’m learning.

What You’ll Find Here

This site is a space for English teachers, writing instructors, and curious learners. I share curriculum ideas and classroom-tested resources from a lifetime of teaching and learning. We talk about the impact of cultural trends, explore media literacy, and reflect on what it means to teach in today’s fast-moving (and let’s be honest—sometimes chaotic) world.

At the heart of it all is a hopeful, gospel-centered belief in the power of story, the goodness of God, and the treasure of following Jesus.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Blog posts and articles on teaching literature and writing

• Free downloadable resources for classroom use

• Media literacy tools for students and teachers

• Occasional updates from my Teachers Pay Teachers store (currently under renovation)

If it’s free to use, it’s free to share, so don’t hesitate to spread the word. Check out the main blog page to explore what’s available.

Looking for something specific? I also write custom teaching content. Email your request to AlwaysLearningHQ@gmail.com, and let’s talk about your project.

Essay Coaching

Need help with an application essay? I am also an essay coach.

I’ve been teaching personal narrative writing since 1988, and helping students craft compelling stories for college admissions has long been a cornerstone of my courses.

Since 2018, I’ve also worked professionally as an essay coach, helping students of all ages—especially those applying to graduate and professional programs—find their voice and tell their stories.

You can learn more about the types of essays I coach and the process for getting help on my Essay Coaching page.

Let’s Make Something That Matters

Whether you’re dreaming up a custom resource, need help with an essay, or just want to bounce ideas around with someone who’s been in the classroom a while, I’m here to help.

From brainstorming lesson ideas to polishing essays that actually sound like you, let’s work together to make something useful, beautiful, and a little less overwhelming.

I believe that learning is a gift, creativity is a calling, and even the messiest drafts can become something redemptive.

Seriously. I’d love to hear from you.

Let’s Build Something Good

Copyright.

All written content on this site © 2018-2025, Norma Weekman.