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
Gemma is a kind and attentive teacher. … Any student of hers will no doubt be successful in the future.
Christin
former student
Gemma, I like you because you taught me more lessons to write.
Trevor
student, age 8
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
The thought-provoking script [of Gemma Cooper-Novack's Blindside] clearly illustrates how the level of violence in war affects all of us long after the actual events.
Joette Waters
Chi-Town Daily News
"[W]ith Gemma's coaching, I will be on my way to digging into writing — a place I had been struggling to get to for over a year. Thank you, Gemma!"
Rory
playwright
Get in Touch
Contact me to collaborate on writing, editing, education, and theater!