Central West Virginia Writing Project

Join us for the Invitational Summer Institute on the Marshall University Graduate College campus in South Charleston. Participants (Fellows) will read, write, and exchange best practices in teaching writing, leaving with an increased understanding of and repertoire for teaching writing.

What is the Invitational Summer Institute?

The Invitational Summer Institute (ISI) is a professional development opportunity offered by CWVWP for teachers at all grade levels and in all disciplines in public and accredited private schools in central West Virginia.

During the ISI, Fellows are guided to

· share successful strategies for teaching writing across the curriculum,

· read and discuss current thinking on teaching writing,

· engage in a variety of writing activities designed to increase confidence and skills,

· participate in writing response groups

· explore a topic of interest concerning classroom practices involving writing.

Institute participants enjoy lunch, overlooking the Kanawha River

After the ISI, Fellows are supported in their implementation strategies and encouraged to develop leadership roles in their schools and beyond through programs offered by CWVWP.

What benefits are available for Invitational Summer Institute fellows?

· Stipend of $800.00

· Optional six (6) graduate credit hours from Marshall University Graduate College at reduced tuition

· Books and supplies for ISI

· Professional leadership opportunities as a paid Teacher Consultant in the future

The stipend will be paid accordingly: $600 upon completion of ISI and $200 upon completing 6 hrs. of fall follow-up activities. Full attendance required for receipt of full stipend.

What is the Institute application procedure?

· All teachers, K-16 and school administrators from public and accredited private schools in West Virginia are eligible to apply. Some slots are reserved for teachers from partnering county school districts (currently Kanawha County and Webster County).

· Print, complete and sign the application form (MS Word doc file) and 1-2 pages of writing answering the questions on the application about your teaching.

· Ask an administrator, such as a school principal, vice principal, or central office supervisor to recommend you by signing the application or sending e-mail.

Timeline

· March 1 - April 16 – Applications begin being accepted and considered

· April 23-26 – Applicants invited to informational meetings with project directors scheduled; acceptances e-mailed by April 30; waiting list developed if ISI fills

· May 12, 2012 - Kickoff Campout at Cedar Lakes Conference Center

· July 9 – July 27, 2012 - Invitational Summer Institute at MUSC, M-F 8:30-3:30.

· Fall, 2012 - follow-up session(s), dates TBA

FAQ’s

Q1 - I’m not a great writer and am nervous about sharing my writing, but I want be a better teacher of writing. Should I apply?

A1 - Yes! The ISI staff are experienced at supporting and nurturing inexperienced writers. Teachers complete the Institute feeling a new confidence in their writing.

Q2 – What is the Kickoff meeting for?

A2 - The Kickoff meeting is an introduction and orientation during which we will begin to write, discuss, and inquire into our practices and also participate in a demonstration of effective classroom practice using writing delivered by one of our Teacher Consultants.

Q3 – I’m a Social Studies (or Science, Math, Music, Art, etc.) teacher. Isn’t this mostly for English teachers?

A3 – No. Students who write in the content areas show increased retention and deeper understanding of content. “As I emphasize writing in my (middle school science) class, I can do so knowing it is a best practice and will increase my students’ knowledge of content...” Kristy Peters, Dupont Middle School

Q4 – Why do you call the participants “Fellows”? That sounds kind of pretentious.

A4 – We consider the stipend we offer to be a Fellowship, not a salary. A Fellowship traditionally is offered to allow a person to better afford to devote time and energy to engage in deeper study of his or her profession.

Q5 – I have some family issues and previous commitments that may interfere with my ability to attend every day this summer. My evenings are also busy, so I wouldn’t have time for extra work. Is that a problem?

A5 – We encourage you to apply when you have the time to devote to the program, which offers six full graduate credit hours that may be applicable to master’s degree programs. Those not taking it for credit are still expected to fully attend and complete all activities.

Q6 – What is the National Writing Project?

A6 - NWP is a program supported primarily by federal funds whose mission is to improve the teaching of writing in the nation’s schools. Go to nwp.org for more information.

Last updated February 22, 2012