Welcome! My name is Gemma Cooper-Novack, and my life and work revolve around writing.
Photo by Sean Riva
As an education researcher, currently a doctoral student at Syracuse University, I focus on the intersections of writing pedagogies and social justice, the development of writer identity in community, and the significance of arts education and creative writing in literacy education in and out of school.
As a practicing writer—a poet, a playwright, a fiction writer, and an academic writer-researcher—I derive joy and purpose from my connection with a range of academic, literary, and artistic communities.
As a writing educator and writing coach, I am invested in supporting writers who struggle with structure and practice and teaching in both community education and school settings.
I would love to talk to you! Please feel free to look around the site and contact me below!
Testimonials
Compassion, a perhaps underrated subject in contemporary lyrical poetry, gets a rollickingly twisted treatment in Cooper-Novack’s deft and slippery hands.
Tom
writer and writing teacher
From an actor's perspective, Gemma's ability to combine serious accountability with an encouraging, supportive rehearsal atmosphere makes her one of the best directors you'll ever work with.
actor
When she started teaching her curriculum [in Ghana] I must admit to skepticism. Until I witnessed her teaching and the class interaction. Theater done the way Gemma does it is multi-variable, where each child participating develops leadership, management and peer accountability.
Dana
Founder, WomensTrust
You were my favorite enrichment teacher that I ever had.
Marco
student, age 10
Gemma never sees a room full of students, but rather a room full of humans ready to explore and experience the world together.
Virginia
educator
Get in Touch
Contact me to collaborate on writing, editing, education, and theater!