THE STATUS OF BASIC WRITING TEACHERS: DO WE NEED A "MARYLAND RESOLUTION"?

<p>Unlike the Wyoming Resolution, the professional statements that have been issued in recent years have enabled certain professional groups to gain status and power over the composition/rhetoric profession at large; unfortunately, their interests do not necessarily complement the interests of basic writing professionals. Basic writing teachers must consider the negative effects of the lack of such professional definition, particularly the lack of our influence within the larger field. By considering a "Maryland Resolution," we can address our status problem and, more importantly, join in reasserting the value of teaching as our primary professional purpose.</p>