I love visiting schools and would love to spend time with you and your students! The workshops and presentations I offer are set out below. For more information, click here. To learn more about scheduling a school visit, please contact my booking agent, Lisa Nadel, Lonni Lane Marketing, at lonnilanemarketing@gmail.com. Can’t wait to connect!
I was humbled and grateful that Finding Perfect was selected as the all-school read for the Cape Elizabeth Middle School’s Mental Health Initiative, “You Will Be Found…@CEMS.” The hope was that the shared experience of this book would start conversations that would begin to break down stereotypes and stigmas surrounding mental health. And it succeeded! Each chapter was read and recorded by authors, teachers, Olympians, community members, students and me. And shared over the loud speaker each morning. This initiative culminated in a very moving and incredible special school visit. If you are interested in using one of my books as your all-school read, just reach out.
“I’m blow away.”
“I’m completely impressed. We’ve never had anything like this.”
“This was incredible.”
“Kids are writing more than they’ve ever written before, even kids who never want to write!”
“Best one-day learning experience. I couldn’t teach yesterday because they were so excited. The difference this made is huge.”
“To say Elly Swartz’s school visit was energizing and engaging would be an understatement. During her visit to my classroom at Rippowam Middle School, you could feel her enthusiasm and appreciation. The authentic connections she made with my scholars, not only taking questions about our read aloud, “Finding Perfect,” but by sitting as a community on our carpet and reading a chapter from “Finding Perfect” was appreciated by all students. Elly shared about her ups and down on her journey in the writing industry, which sent such a positive message to students about following your dreams and never giving up for what you believe in. Her presentation about empathy was beautifully aligned with her “Unfolding Identity” project. Her natural ability to relate and connect with students was evident in all her interactions throughout the day. Her visit was so successful that my students and I are are still talking about it today!”
—Jimmy Sapia, 6th Grade Individuals and Societies Teacher, Rippowam Middle School, CT
“You can tell that Elly loves what she does. You would think my students knew her forever! She was on their level and she truly related to them in person, on Skype, and through her books! We could sit and listen to her for hours! Honestly, one of the best author visits ever!”
—Rhonda Jenkins Library Media Center Director Kendall Elementary School Naperville, Illinois
“Elly Swartz’s message was so on-point for our young children who are experiencing more and more mental health challenges. We so appreciated her speaking openly and honestly about struggles that our kids face. Her messages were genuine, engaging and validating for many of our students and staff.”
—Katie See, Principal, Wylie Elementary, Dexter, MI
“My fortunate fifth graders were the recipients of a visit from Elly Swartz, author of Finding Perfect. It was a fantabulous visit. I know this because I watched the reaction of the students and teachers. I know this also because the fifth graders and their teachers are still talking about it a week later.“
Jennifer Reed, Librarian
Mason-Rice Elementary School, Newton, MA
“My fortunate fifth graders were the recipients of a visit from Elly Swartz, author of Finding Perfect. It was a fantabulous visit. I know this because I watched the reaction of the students and teachers. I know this also because the fifth graders and their teachers are still talking about it a week later. There are two specific things that made this visit remarkable. One is Elly’s connection with students. Her passion and enthusiasm for writing and specifically writing characters from the heart was authentic and moving. The second reason is the subject matter of Finding Perfect. Elly’s approach to talking about Molly, the protagonist who is struggling with undiagnosed OCD, allowed the students to hear and relate to Molly and develop empathy and understanding for her story.”
-Jennifer Reed, Librarian
Mason-Rice Elementary School, Newton, MA
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I also love to connect via Skype, Zoom, or Google Meet. I’m happy to do a virtual visit with your class or book club. Let’s talk.
“Elly Swartz is fantastic with middle grade students! Elly graciously answered all of my students’ questions and took the time to explain what her days are like as a writer. She spent time explaining how important revisions are during the writing process – something my students desperately needed to hear from a professional writer. Thank you, Elly!! My class adores you and is still talking about your visit!”
“We were so fortunate to have Elly Skype with our 4th grade students. Elly was so engaging to speak with and really took the time to talk to all of the students. The message she shares in a visit is so important for this generation to hear and think about.”
