Fourth grade teacher and author Rob Sanders joins Bethany for this inspiring episode of The Porchlight where they discuss everything from Rob's literary life to the importance of inclusion, social justice, and perseverance. Rob is the author of eight picture books, including PRIDE, PEACEFUL FIGHTS FOR EQUAL RIGHTS, RODZILLA, and the forthcoming STONEWALL, which allows readers to learn about the rich and dynamic history of the Stonewall Inn and its role in the gay civil rights movement.
Rob is a Florida resident who met Bethany when he took one of her online classes at The Writing Barn, where he now teaches as well. As someone who loves to leap into new ventures, Rob discusses how he started writing nonfiction and how he seeks to explore new forms, genres, and styles in his work. He believes that the best way to help kids become social justice advocates for themselves and others is to talk to them about all topics and history in an age appropriate way because kids are talking among themselves and need to know the facts.
Rob strives to show both his readers and his students how civil rights progress we have gained initially still has to be maintained, and this is one of many reasons he is passionate about writing stories of diversity and inclusion. Bethany and Rob also discuss their mutual love of teaching and what they learn from their students, both adults and children. For more information about Rob and his work, visit his website at https://www.robsanderswrites.com/