Take a look at remarks from Angela’s students and evaluations from teachers, students and administrators during Angela’s stints as the Eastern Oregon Writer-in-Residence; as a Wordstock teacher in the Portland Public Schools and the Riverdale School District; and as a private instructor.

Here’s what the school students said…

“Ms. Allen helps me correct my essays and gives me great structure. She also improves my vocabulary tremendously through great exercises. She helps me expand my overall writing brain by doing fun creative writing exercises.”
Shiva, 8th grade, Portland, Ore.
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“Ms. Allen is very talented and I have enjoyed being taught by her.”
Claire Jean Hammond, 4th grade, French Glen School, Harney County

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“I learned about tankas and different types of writing tools that will help me. … I do have a pretty good grip on alliterations now.
…I loved your photography show, it was wonderful, thanks for sharing with us.”
Colton Witzel, 5th grade, Frenchglen School, Harney County, Ore.
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“I think writing is a great way to express yourself and your emotions. Ms. Allen, thank you for coming to our school. I learned a lot about writing.”
Byanna, 5th grade, Diamond School, Harney County, Ore.
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“The teacher was energetic and had good exercises.”
Thomas O’Toole, 8th grade, Drewsey School, Harney County, Ore.
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“Quiet Wyatt (writing about a personal flaw with a sense of humor) was my favorite exercise. I enjoyed writing with you and I hope you come again. I really, really enjoyed having you.”
Wyatt Starbuck, 6th grade, Suntex School, Riley, Ore.
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“Thanks for the fun and writing tips. I hope you can come again. If you don’t see my horse I will try to send you pictures on email.”
Sammi, 8th grade, Suntex School
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“I learned how to make poems and stories 100 percent better. Angela Allen is an amazing teacher and I hope to see her again.”
Austin Martin, 7th grade, Suntex School,
Riley, Ore.
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“I learned metaphor and haiku and alliteration. She was so nice. She is fun. I learned stuff that I didn’t know. She is pretty and  her clothes were so nice and she smells nice like a rose.”
Maira Huerta, Fields Elementary School, Fields, Ore., Harney County
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“I learned about haiku, simili and metaphor. Coconut Girl was my best. I want you to come back next year. I learned a lot and you are really cool.”
Savannah Read, 6th grade, Fields Elementary, Fields, Ore., Harney County
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“Ms. Allen, I love it when you teach us. You remind me of an aunt I have in Puerto Rico. That is why I love it when you teach us!”
Nakyah, 3rd grade, Rose Parks Elementary, Portland, Ore.
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“I learned how to write in different forms. Ms. Allen was so much fun to have here. It was very sad when she had to leave. I really hope she can come back next year.”
Clayton Duckworth, 7th grade, Juntura School, Juntura, Malheur County, Ore.
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“Thank you so much for coming out here to this very small town and I hope to see you some other time. I really liked to write with you.”
Martin Joyce, 6th grade, Juntura School, Juntura, Malheur County, Ore.
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“You’re the best teacher in the world other than Mrs. Cornell.”
Josh Duckworth, grade 3, Juntura School, Malheur County, Ore.
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“Thank you for teaching us to write haikus. You are a nice lady. Watch out for rattlesnakes.”
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Morgan Butler, 2nd grade, Juntura School, Malheur County, Ore.
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“I really enjoyed learning to express myself better. I usually don’t write like that!”
Erika Bentz, 8th grade Juntura School, Juntura, Malheur County, Ore.
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”I hope you can come back. I liked when you did poetry and I liked when you did the haiku.”
Nick Joyce, 1st grade, Juntura School, Juntura, Malheur County, Ore.
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“Thank you for coming out so far and thanks for having great learning activities. All of them were so much fun.”
Britton Bentz, 6th grade,  Juntura School, Juntura Malheur County, Ore.
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“There were many good exercises that made my brain work quickly. The exercises were inspiring and you also got to think out of the box!”
Home schooled student, grade 12, Burns, Ore.
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“Writing seemed to make me feel better. It can be very therapeutic. Thank you.”
TM, Oregon Youth Authority, Burns, Ore.
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“Writing helps me get my feelings onto paper instead of always leaving them inside. I’ve never written like this in my entire life. Given the time and space, I can write lovely with a smile on my face. I’m grateful for this lovely woman for I look at writing in a beautiful light.”
JF, Oregon Youth Authority, Burns, Ore.
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More comments from Oregon Youth Authority students in Burns, Ore.

“Writing is good for communication. We should have writing days all the time!!!!”
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“Writing helps with my emotions. I enjoyed everything she did.”
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“It was fun!”
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“Yes, it was fun with a lot of stuff to do. I loved the classes. It helps get problems and feelings off your chest. I like the way she taught. I didn’t feel like a kid.”
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“I found I can use my imagination, I can get my feelings out and I can entertain myself and others with writing.”
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“You did a good job. Thank you for coming and helping us.”
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“Definitely keep the program going! Thank you!
Writing can be fun if taught right. Good job! I feel bad for missing a day.”
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“Hope we can learn more.”
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Teachers’ and administrators’ comments

“Thank you again for your great help. It has amazed all of us how well the boys responded to your writing instruction and would love to see you come back.”
Sandy Cargill, teacher at Oregon Youth Authority for male sex offenders, ages 13-21, Burns, Ore.
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“Angela, it was great to have you here. The students did some great writing under your tutelage.”
Debra Raymond, Suntex School head teacher, Riley, Ore.
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“You turned on the faucet of creativity during your stay.”
Bonnie Heinz, head teacher, grades 5-8, Juntura School, Juntura, Malheur County, Ore.
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“She was engaged and clearly loves writing. Very gentle corrections and lots of praise. Angela is very flexible and works well with all ages her 17-60-plus years.”
Karen Hendrickson, administrator at Treasure Valley Community College, Burns, Ore.
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“You’ve inspired us all. You are a wonderful writer and teacher.”
Ann Mesch, 3rd grade teacher, Rose Parks Elementary, Portland, Or.
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“Thank you so much for your gifts to Harney County and to our children. They so enjoyed working with you.”
Susan Hureburt, Burns, Ore.
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“Thank you for coming out here to work with the kids. It’s nice to see them get excited about writing.”
Tami Cornell, teacher for grades 1-3, Juntura School, Juntura, Malheur County, Ore.
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‘It’s clear that you put your heart and soul into the work in Harney County, and that your efforts paid off handsomely for all concerned. Without dedicated writers and teachers like you, this program would be nowhere.”

Rick Bombaci, Fishtrap director and administrator for Eastern Oregon Writer in Residence program
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“I liked the way you spoke to and managed the students during their sessions with you. You showed humor, had high expectations, specific comments for each piece, knew their names (so important!), showed patience, gave examples, modeled for them.  It has been as much a learning experience for me as for my students and I didn’t expect that.”
Bonnie Heinz, lead teacher, grades 5-8, Juntura School, Juntura, Malheur County, Ore.
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Adult writers’ comments
“The ladies have said over and over again how much they enjoyed your workshop. Some said when they heard they were going to have to write that they really didn’t want to come and even wrinkled their noses. But you made it easy and fun and they were reluctant to quit. I could tell because we have NEVER postponed dessert before.”
Lorna Cagel, Harney Basin writer and Episcopal-Lutheran church women’s group, Burns, Ore.
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“It was and always will be a billion, million beloved occasion and experience. More More More.”
Therea Ky Whitefeather, Treasure Valley Community College, Burns, Ore.
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“This opened my eyes to what I can do. I enjoyed doing the exercises. It opens your eyes about the world.”
Student, Treasure Valley Community College, Burns, Ore.
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“I found that writing and reading my thoughts was more emotional than I thought it would be.”
Student, Treasure Valley Community College, Burns, Ore.
Some voices from Harney County Library workshops, Burns, Ore.

“It is wonderful to see a diverse section of ages, both genders and new faces as well as old friends. Our town is full of talented writers. All of the exercises were mind stretching.”

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“Her workshop reminded me of another time when I was `released’ to write. It is easier to write with encouragement.”
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“Her workshop offered new ideas and fun!”

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“I didn’t know writing could be so easy. It is a marvelous way of sharing.”
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And from the Harney Basin Writers…

“Angela’s writing has wonderful elements that offer a glimpse of excellent. She is encouraging.”
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“Her naturalness and non-judgmental encouragement were inspiring.”
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“Your presence in our communities is bringing fresh perspective and new vistas to our learning landscapes.”
Nancy Fine, Burns, Ore.
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