Appalachian Writing Project now accepting applications

The Appalachian Writing Project is now accepting nominations for and applications from outstanding teachers in Southwest Virginia who may be invited to attend the 2005 Invitational Summer Writing Institute to be held June 23-July 15 on the campus of The University of Virginia's College Wise. The deadline for applications is April 18, 2005.

Teachers who are accepted into the institute receive a choice between full tuition scholarship for six credit hours and/or recertification points, books, a modest stipend to defray expenses, and membership into 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.

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. Only teachers in current positions who will be employed for the 2005-2006 academic year will be considered. Please forward the teacher’s name, school where she or he is employed, and an address to Jennifer Partin, Center for Teaching Excellence, 1 College Avenue, Wise, VA 24293 or e-mail Amy Clark at aclark@virginia.edu. The Appalachian Writing Project especially encourages nominations of teachers with teaching experience in the sciences, special education, math, and 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. For more information, contact Amy Clark at 276-376-4562.