What is the Summer Institute? 2010 Brochure (Click here) The backbone of the nearly 200 National Writing Project sites is the Summer Institute, which is a six -credit graduate program, providing participants experience in using the writing process, opportunities to share expertise, and research topics of writing. Participants discuss and exchange techniques and ideas while developing teaching strategies for use in their classrooms and to share with colleagues. Unique writing activities along with special guests and speakers are included in Institute activities.
Summer Institute Reviews The 2009 Fox Valley Writing Project Summer Institute brought together 19 K-12+ teachers from seven area school districts. For four weeks in June and July, we wrote together, laughed together, thought together, and encouraged each other. We asked questions, discussed what we were reading, and reflected on our teaching. It was a grand experience!!  The best thing about the Summer Institute was . . .
. . . having the time to write surrounded by people who enjoy and value writing as much as I do. Elementary Teacher, Wild Rose . . . I learned a variety of new writing strategies that have made me a more confident teacher of writing. It was fun! Elementary Teacher, Oshkosh . . . it gave me a chance to open up and express myself in ways I haven't for many years. HS Teacher, Appleton . . . taking time to be a writer. . . being a role model for my student. We all have stories to tell . . . if we don't, they will be lost. Art Teacher, Oshkosh . . . the relaxed, yet creative atmosphere and the chance to be inspired by fellow teachers throughout the area. Elementary Teacher, New London	. . . the presentations and discussion among other teachers. I love getting new ideas from other teachers that I can take back to my classroom and use. It was also rewarding to learn about myself as a writer and how I can relate that to teaching my students. Elementary Teacher, Fond du Lac . . . the writer's notebook. The blank pages invited writing, sketching, spilling. I am thrilled with the collection of words, booklists, resources, ideas . . . they're all mine to return to again and again. Middle School Teacher, Oshkosh . . . being encouraged to awaken my creativity and being able to gather best-practice techniques that I can use next semester in my writing classes. Technical College Instructor
Download PowerPoint about Summer Institute. Click Here!
The main components of the Summer Institute are: A 30-45 minute demonstration of a teaching practice that centers on writing. A piece of professional writing based on teaching practices and research. Completion of at least one piece of personal writing
Rather  by Michelle Draves To learn, or not to learn? That is the question. Work along. Follow directions. Stay at my seat. Hear a lecture. Master the content. Memorize the answers. Take a test. Or Collaborate. Blaze a new trails. Explore the world. Listen to my heart. Discover my voice. Ask the questions. Take a risk. To learn, or not to learn? That is the question.
Privileges of Fellowship
Upon completion of the Summer Institute, each participant becomes a Fellow of the Project and has full access to Fox Valley Writing Project services Personal writings published in an anthology Special training and workshop leadership opportunities Use of the extensive Project library
Who may apply for the Summer Institute?
Any teacher in any discipline, kindergarten through post-secondary, may apply. Educators from all subject areas and certifications are welcome. A Project leadership panel collaborates in participant selection.
When will the Summer Institute be held?
The 2010 Summer Institute will be held from June 14 through July 9 at UW - Oshkosh. Sessions will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm with one hour for lunch, In weeks 1,2,and 3, classes will be held Mondays through Thursdays. Due to the July 4th holiday in week 4, classes will be held Tuesday through Friday .
What will the Summer Institute cost?
Participants will be expected to purchase some books and materials, but six (6) graduate credits are provided at no cost to all accepted Institute applicants. Inquire about this opportunity in your district or call the Project office, (920) 424-3325.
How does one apply for the Summer Institute?
Applications for the 2010 Summer Institute will soon be available. You may download the 2010 Application Form from this link. A statement of support from an administrator and a description of your background and experience in writing and the teaching of writing with the application is required with submission.
For more information contact: Pat Scanlan Fox Valley Writing Project University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI 54901 (920) 424-3325 email:fvwp@uwosh.edu
On Living a Writing Life by Michelle Draves During the Summer Institute, much has been said about practicing what we preach.  We have shared our successes, our failures, our stories.  We have become a community – laughing and crying together, sharing treasured memories and generating innovative ideas to incorporate in our writing and teaching lives.  And every day, we have written.  We were gifted with intriguing prompts, inspiring models, choice of topic, time to draft and revise, and opportunities for response.  We have lived a writing life. As our time together ends we are renewed by what we have learned, encouraged by the feedback of colleagues and reflective of our own practices.  What is it, exactly, that has brought us, in a mere sixteen days, to this point of transformation?  What is it that we will take away from this experience?  For me, it is a desire to create in my classroom the same literate culture we have reveled in this summer – a community of learners who value each other and the work being done.  A community of writers who collaborate, celebrate, and move forward together.  My wish is to continue to grow in my writing life and to empower a new generation of writers…because writing matters.

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Summer 2010 Summer Institute Brochure