Writing--and lots of it in all genres--is at the heart of the language arts curriculum and the skills of critical thinking that students need to develop to become prepared consumers and citizens. In this article, the author reflects on her growth as a writer and teacher, and offers an overview of what people know about writing, what they need to do it well, what the students need to learn to do it well, and what obstacles are challenging teachers' ability to make it happen. She also shares what she has learned from educators, philosophers, researchers, her students, and her own practice. (Contains 3 figures.)