Approach to Teaching

Imani's artistic talent is undeniable, it is an absolute privilege to have her in the classroom. Her educational methods inspire the students we serve to not only explore their own creativity, but to also collaborate effectively with their peers and general community. Students learn to cultivate a safe environment in which to express their emotions and influence positive social change. After each school residency with Imani I have observed how eager students are to continue writing and sharing personal stories and concerns about the world around them. Imani's commitment to creating engaging and empowering curriculum has strengthened our in-school program, through well prepared research and critical reflection tools she guides young minds towards dissecting and ultimately better participating in their own education. 

It was great to hear a professional discuss their methods, it made me feel better about mine. i think you describing your journey and day to day writing really helped me internalize what it means to make writing something so influential in my life. I think the most helpful part of the workshop, was getting the reassurance that writing can be difficult even from a professional writer. It is not everyday that a professional writer wants to write, which makes me feel better about myself, because it is the same way for me. The most helpful part of the workshop was hearing you talk about the work, progression, and perseverance that you have and continued to have as you advanced into a full time, full fledged writer. i don't think i've ever had such helpful advice in a workshop or class. usually they provide some inspiration or general ideas but you gave really specific ways to improve that really helped to guide me. Hearing specific critiques and methods of expression was great, but hearing your general experiences were really helpful too

When I saw Imani Cezanne on the Nuyorican stage I had chills. To find out that she would be my coach made me both excited and nervous. As we dove into the business of poetry, I found Imani to continue to inspire me on my poetry journey as she first did when I saw her on the stage four years earlier. Except this time, she showed me the hard work that went behind each poem. She pushed me to find inspiration in others, to treat the poems as work, and to be incredibly dedicated. She showed me what it means to commit to writing and what nurturing my craft could look like. Under her tutelage I felt my poetry sharpen and refine, but I also felt myself grow as a person. Imani not only brings her exhaustive experience to coaching, but also her entire person. She is beyond committed to the team, and is such a joy to work with. Like with anything, you get what you put in and if you're willing to do the work then Imani Cezanne will make you into so much more than you ever thought you could be.