Tell Me More: Conferring with Artists, Writers, and Storytellers

Quality writing conferences happen in the context of a community of learners. The relationships and trust teachers build make these moments joyful, authentic, and effective. Rooted in a pedagogy of listening and kidwatching, Stella Villalba explores how artists, writers, and storytellers compose their lives through multimodal, multigenre, and multilingual expression--and how those same principles can shape meaningful writing instruction.

Through five pedagogical threads and a Cycle of Dialogic Encounters, Villalba breaks down the intentional, reflective work of teachers in helping students flourish as writers and creators. Her integration of multilingual learners' experiences underscores the power of culturally and linguistically sustaining pedagogy.

With photos and classroom examples, Tell Me More offers practical ways to design and sustain effective writing conferences. Readers will find strategies for listening with purpose, asking responsive questions, and guiding students in identifying next steps for their writing. Villalba demonstrates how authentic dialogue transforms conferring into a collaborative practice that nurtures student voice, affirms students' funds of knowledge, and deepens every learner's connection to the craft of writing.

Author: Stella Villalba
Publisher: National Council of Teachers of English (Ncte
Published: 08/18/2026
Pages: 195
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 8.30h x 8.30w x 0.60d
ISBN13: 9780814102985
ISBN10: 0814102980
BISAC Categories:
- Education | Teaching | Subjects | Language Arts
- Language Arts & Disciplines | Writing | General
- Education | Schools | Levels | Elementary

About the Author

Raised in a bilingual household, Stella Villalba is an educator and coach dedicated to multilingualism and culturally sustaining pedagogy. Born in Argentina to Paraguayan parents, she views being a multilingual learner as a superpower. Currently pursuing a PhD in equity and multicultural studies at The Ohio State University, Villalba shares stories and videos of her work on her blog, Listening and Learning: A Teaching & Coaching Life. Visit teachingcoachinglife.com to connect.