On November 14, slam poet champion Taylor Mali visited Valley Christian in order to give a workshop on slam poetry to Ms. Julie Claypool’s English classes as well as the drama classes. Photography classes also joined the event, documenting the workshop by taking pictures. Mr. Mali also came back that same night to give a special performance of his own original poems. Marrissa Schuman commented on his performance, “I thought he had a good presence among the crowd and I thought his poems were very inspiring and thought-provoking.” He is a teacher as well as a poet, having taught various subjects for nine years. In fact, he wanted to become a poet before being inspired to become a teacher, taking poetry composition workshops during grad school. Many of his poems incorporate his experiences as a teacher, and continue to inspire many. One of his poems called “What Teachers Make” illustrates the impact that teachers can make on students and shows his passionate perspective on teaching. Mali said, “I write because I can—because I know how—and I’m pretty sure I do it well. I love words and I want to spread that love.” Mali has led six national poetry slam teams to the finals and has become the only person to win the championship four times. Traveling all around the world, Taylor Mali is considered as the most successful slam poet of all time. Visit taylormali.com for more information on Mr. Mali and a list of his poems.
