The Western Pennsylvania Writing Project (WPWP), a part of the expansive National Writing Project (NWP) network, which boasts over 175 sites across the United States, is rooted in a community-driven design yet enjoys the backing of academic institutions, notably the University of Pittsburgh for WPWP. This affiliation provides not just a connection to academic resources but also access to both human and material support essential for the delivery of impactful programs like the Summer Institute.
The essence of both the NWP and WPWP centers around the profound belief in the lifelong journey of professional learning and development for educators. Emphasizing writing, the initiative operates on the conviction that the most effective teachers of writing are, in fact, teachers who engage in writing themselves. Historically focused on K-16 educators—ranging from classroom teachers and school leaders to those involved in curriculum development—there's been a broadening of scope to acknowledge and integrate writing across various disciplines beyond English language arts, recognizing its value in enhancing literacy and expressive capabilities across the curriculum.
A distinctive evolution in WPWP's approach under the current directorship is the expanded vision of what constitutes an educator. This includes not only early childhood-12 and post-secondary teachers but also out-of-school time practitioners, reflecting a belief in the mutual benefits derived from a collaborative learning environment. This inclusive stance aims to enrich the pedagogical toolkit of all participants, fostering a vibrant learning community that transcends traditional educational boundaries.
Participants in the Summer Institute can expect a robust agenda that emphasizes participation, inquiry, and personal growth through writing. The program is meticulously designed to encourage educators to stretch their boundaries, engage deeply with their practice, and consider the transformative power of writing not just in their professional lives but also as a means of personal reinvigoration. Key components include writing workshops, inquiry-based learning sessions, collaborative writing groups, and the creation of an anthology of work developed over the course of the institute.
With support from the University of Pittsburgh, the institute offers a cost-free opportunity for educators to engage in this enriching experience, providing some meals, parking, and materials.
The expectation for participants is clear: engage fully, embrace the collaborative spirit of the institute, and contribute to the collective learning experience. The institute's schedule is thoughtfully arranged to maximize engagement while also accommodating the varied lives of its participants. With a blend of structured programming and independent exploration, the WPWP Summer Institute stands as a testament to the enduring value of writing as a cornerstone of educational practice and professional growth.
We will meet at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Urban Education, July 8-August 2. The four-week institute schedule offers a structured yet flexible framework designed to maximize learning and creativity among participants.
Each week begins on Monday with an 11:30 am to 2:30 pm session focused on a guest Writing Workshop and framing for the week.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays follow a more intensive schedule from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, filled with writing and inquiry-based workshops and time for individual and group writing and thought. On these days, we can coordinate meals as a community (bring our own, contribute to a group meal, explore spaces nearby, etc.) This rhythm is consistent across the first three weeks, with Thursdays mirroring this structure except for the third week, which is reserved for a Retreat Day, offering a more relaxed environment for reflection and consolidation of the week's learnings.
The last week diverges to focus on culminating activities: a Writing Day with feedback sessions on Tuesday, followed by presentations on Wednesday and Thursday, allowing participants to showcase their progress and achievements.
Fridays are notably different each week: the first features a Grammar Conference, marking a special highlight; the following two Fridays are breaks, offering rest and space for independent work or reflection; and the final Friday concludes with presentations, if needed which will depend on the final number of participant
Throughout the four weeks, meals serve as integral touchpoints for community building and relaxation, ensuring that while the schedule is filled with learning opportunities, there's also ample space for informal sharing and camaraderie. This blend of structured workshops, reflective practices, and communal activities crafts a comprehensive and enriching experience for all participants, designed to foster growth, creativity, and collaboration.
Having a retreat space for writing and planning is immensely beneficial for educators, who often face the dual pressures of being overworked and underpaid. Such a space offers a rare pause from the relentless pace of teaching, granting educators the opportunity to reflect, rejuvenate, and reconnect with their passion for education. It allows educators to step away from the immediate demands of their daily tasks and immerse themselves in a supportive community focused on personal and professional growth. This retreat not only acknowledges their hard work and dedication but also provides the tools and time needed to explore new ideas and strategies. Ultimately, it helps sustain their commitment to education by reminding them of their impact and value, fostering a sense of renewal and inspiration that they can bring back to their learning spaces.
The presentations and the anthology are pivotal components of our Summer Institute, marking the culmination of our collective journey of exploration, learning, and creation.
Over the course of the institute, each educator will engage deeply with writing and inquiry, guided not only by their individual intellectual pursuits but significantly shaped by our communal interactions. These elements come together to form the backbone of both our presentations and the anthology, embodying the essence of our shared experience.
As we approach the conclusion of our time together, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their projects in presentations. These are not just a reflection of personal growth and learning but are also a testament to the collaborative spirit that characterizes our institute. The presentations serve as a platform for sharing insights and discoveries, inviting feedback, and engaging in rich discussions that extend the learning process beyond the individual. They are a celebration of the diversity of thought, interdisciplinary approaches, and the vibrancy of our collective inquiry.
Simultaneously, we will be compiling an anthology that encapsulates the breadth and depth of our work together. This carefully curated collection will feature a variety of writings that have been developed and refined over the duration of the institute. The anthology stands as a tangible testament to our intellectual journey, showcasing the range of genres, themes, and voices that have emerged. More than a compilation of texts, it is a reflection of the dynamic interactions, the shared vulnerabilities, and the mutual support that have been integral to our experience.
The material for these outputs will be built progressively, capturing the evolution of ideas and the weaving together of individual and collective insights. Our writing and inquiry will be enriched by the interactions within our community, ensuring that the final presentations and anthology are not only representative of our intellectual endeavors but also of the relationships and understandings forged during our time together.
In sum, the presentations and anthology are not mere endpoints but rather the embodiment of our institute's journey—a journey marked by collaboration, discovery, and the transformative power of writing and inquiry. Through these outputs, we celebrate not only what we have learned but also how we have grown together as a community of educators and thinkers.
After the Summer Institute concludes, educators can look forward to a wealth of opportunities and connections that extend far beyond the immediate experience. Engaging in the Institute is not merely a seasonal commitment but a gateway to a broader, enriching professional journey within the realm of education and writing.
Here’s what to expect:
Perhaps most excitingly, alumni are encouraged to take active roles in shaping the future of professional learning for educators. With an open invitation to design and execute new ideas, participants can lead initiatives, workshops, or projects that support the professional learning of educators, contributing to the vibrant ecosystem of the WPWP and the broader educational community.
The journey doesn’t end with the Institute; participants will find numerous avenues for further development and engagement. Whether it's through additional writing workshops, collaborative research projects, or leadership opportunities within the WPWP, the door is open for continued growth and exploration.
Graduates of the Summer Institute will have the opportunity to connect with members of the WPWP and other NWP sites. This network fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, encouraging collaboration, sharing of best practices, and mutual support among educators passionate about writing and teaching.
Participants will become part of a vibrant, national network through the NWP, which connects educators across 175+ sites in the U.S. This network offers access to a wealth of resources, collaborative projects, and a community of educators dedicated to the best practices in teaching writing.
The WriteNow Studio presents an invaluable resource, offering access to a curated collection of teaching materials, research, and professional development tools. This platform supports educators in their ongoing professional journey, providing resources to enhance teaching and learning in their classrooms and communities.
In summary, the conclusion of the Summer Institute marks the beginning of an expansive journey. With newfound connections, resources, and a supportive community, participants are well-positioned to continue their professional growth, contribute to the field of education, and impact the teaching and learning of writing in diverse and meaningful ways.