Appalachian Writing Project now accepting applications

for Summer Writing Institute at UVa-Wise

UPDATE: The deadline for applications has been extended to MARCH 31.

The Appalachian Writing Project is now accepting nominations for and applications from outstanding teachers in Southwest Virginia to attend the 2008 Invitational Summer Writing Institute to be held June 9 through July 3 at The University of Virginia's College at Wise. The deadline for applications is March 3 March 31.

Certified teachers from kindergarten through college in all disciplines who currently hold a teaching position in a Southwest Virginia school may be nominated or may apply.

Teachers who are accepted into the institute receive a full-tuition scholarship for six graduate credit hours from the University of Virginia and recertification points, books, a modest stipend to defray expenses, and membership with the Appalachian Writing Project as teacher consultants trained to provide in-service to Southwest Virginia teachers. The institute offers teachers resources and workshops for deepening their knowledge about the teaching of writing and literacy issues, as well as an opportunity to grow as writers.

The core beliefs of the project are that writing is pivotal to learning, academic achievement, and job success; writing instruction begins in kindergarten and continues through university; universities and schools in collaboration can provide powerful programs for teachers; effective teachers of writing regularly write themselves; exemplary teachers make the best teachers of other teachers; teachers are the key to education reform; professional development should continue throughout a teacher's career; writing is fundamental to learning in all subjects; real change in classroom practice happens over time.

The Appalachian Writing Project especially encourages nominations for educators with teaching experience in the sciences, special education, math and the middle/elementary levels.

Located on the campus of UVa-Wise, the Appalachian Writing Project is affiliated with the National Writing Project and serves as one of eight sites in the state of Virginia.

To download an application, visit the Appalachian Writing Project Web site at people.uvawise.edu/awp.

For more information, e-mail Leah Mullins at lamullins@wise.k12.va.us, or call Amy Clark at 276-376-4562 or aclark@virginia.edu.

Posted February 18, 2008