What
is the TCWP Invitational Summer Institute?
ìIt blew me away. TCWP is what education
should be: supportive, challenging, cooperative, and the cutting edge in
educational theory and best practice. It can change your life.î
--Middle school social studies and
Spanish teacher
ìI am so excited to start this year
with my students and try all the writing experiences I have been thinking
about during this instituteÖ.I have many more methods, tools, and resources
to fall back on now than I had in the past.î
--Lower elementary teacher
ìMore than anything, the institute has
deepened my love for this job and all the possibilities it affords. What
a wonderful professionóalways new beginnings, chances to right the wrongs
from the previous years, to improve and grow. No dead ends! Iím excited!î
--High school English teacher
The TCWP Invitational Summer Institute
features
* Outstanding presenters, including veteran
classroom teachers, who model exemplary teaching strategies, and authors,
who teach us to become teacher writers;
* Reading and discussion focused on best
classroom practice and current theory and research;
* A diverse group of teachers from many
school districts, teaching levels (kindergarten to college), and content
areasóworking partly together and partly in small groups;
* Time for writing and responding to the
writing of others;
* Coached teaching demonstrations presented
by summer institute fellows; and
* A spirit of fun as new professional
friendships grow.
Where does the TCWP Invitational Summer
Institute take place?
The TCWP Invitational Summer Institute
meets on the campus of Western Michigan University, where TCWP fellows
enjoy special parking privileges and easy access to library and computer
resources. Meetings of the whole group (never more than 25) take place
in one of WMUís most comfortable and well equipped classroom settings.
To accommodate those who drive long distances, TCWP fellows may reserve
moderately priced and conveniently located university house for the duration
of the Institute.
Who is eligible to participate in the
Invitational Summer Institute and what is the application process?
Successful teachers and administrators
from all fields and all levels are encouraged to submit applications by
May 1. Applicants fill out a brief application form and attach a letter
of application. They also request a letter of recommendation from a school
administrator or colleague who can highlight the applicantís strengths
as an educator. Follow-up interviews are held soon after May 1 to select
the participants for the Invitational Summer Institute.
A grant from the National Writing Project
and the U.S. Department of Education keeps the Summer Institute cost low
for Michigan residents. TCWP fellows earn 4-6 hours of graduate credit.
To request more information and/or an application form, call 269-387-2572
(English Department) or 269-387-2581 (Ellen Brinkley) or send email to
ellen.brinkley@wmich.edu.
