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Upper School Writing Center Launches at Bryn Mawr
At The Bryn Mawr School, the Writing Center is not your typical academic support space. It doesn't focus on correcting grammar or proofreading papers, nor does it offer research assistance. In fact, that's exactly the point. The Writing Center, launched by Upper School English teacher Corinne Viglietta and science teacher Dr. Sasha Klevytska, is redefining what it means to engage with writing—by making students the experts.
“We are decentering the role of the teacher,” Viglietta explains. “It’s about creating a space where peers collaborate with peers, where authority is put into the hands of students.”
This student-centered approach transforms Bryn Mawr’s Writing Center from a traditional tutoring or mentoring program into a dynamic, cooperative environment. The center operates through student coaches, who are selected by faculty, and work alongside their peers to elevate their writing skills. These coaches are trained to dig deeper than just a grade, focusing on the process of refining thought, challenging ideas, and experimenting with new methods of writing.
One of the distinguishing features of the Writing Center is its peer-to-peer format. Unlike traditional tutoring, where a more experienced student helps a less experienced one, Writing Center coaches do not need to be in the same class as the student they are assisting. In fact, for coach Molly McLoughlin '27, being in a different class is an advantage.
“We’re on equal footing, helping each other make discoveries. It’s not about one person being a superior writer,” she said. Not being in the same class also prevents comparing a coach’s work to a writer’s.
This sense of equality ensures that students and coaches alike are empowered to explore new ideas, ask critical questions, and approach writing as a shared, open-ended process. It’s not about fixing mistakes—it’s about building skills through constructive dialogue and mutual respect.
While writing might seem most relevant in humanities classes, the Writing Center is showing that its benefits stretch far beyond English and history papers. In fact, Ms. Viglietta has teamed up with Dr. Sasha Klevytska to incorporate writing support into science courses as well. Biology papers have already found a space in the Writing Center, where student coaches can provide valuable feedback and guidance, no matter the subject.
While the writers benefit from expert peer advice, the student coaches are gaining just as much from the experience. In addition to honing their own writing skills, they develop leadership, communication, and critical thinking abilities.
Viglietta envisions the Writing Center becoming an even more integral part of the Bryn Mawr community—and beyond. Her goal is to see Bryn Mawr students present at the Secondary School Writing Center Association conference or even have their work published to inspire other schools across the country.
Adding a Writing Center to Bryn Mawr was an obvious choice for Viglietta because of the institutional approach to centering students and empowering them to take leadership in their learning. “There’s something really special about this being at Bryn Mawr,” says Viglietta. “This is a space where girls' voices are really important. We witness their bold voices here.”
