Finding a Space for Professional Development: Creating Thirdspace through After-School Writing Groups

This article describes a teacher study group focusing on After School Writing Circles for elementary students as a site of Thirdspace professional development. Borrowing the concept of Thirdspace from postmodern geographer Edward Soja, the authors argue that professional development works best when teachers engage in the dual work of imagining and making real opportunities for education that connect with learners’ emerging passions.