Summer Institute For Teachers

 

July 7-August 1, 2008.

Application and flyer can be downloaded.

This year's Institute is filled. Dates for 2009 are July 6-31. Check this space in August for information about an open house for prospective applicants and administrators.

About the Institute:

A four-week intensive program for successful teachers who want to

• share their knowledge with colleagues
• develop as leaders
• become more effective teachers of writing
• become more skilled in using writing as a learning strategy across the curriculum
• become better writers.

Participants earn six graduate credits from the University of Pittsburgh applicable to Act 48 and Level II certification in Pennsylvania.

Open to experienced teachers and teachers at the beginning of their careers.

Participants

• engage in varied writing activities
• become more confident writers
• gain insight and knowledge to help students to improve their writing.
• experience being part of a writing community through writing response groups.

A collection of personal and professional writing by participants is published at the end of the Institute.

Each teacher chooses an inquiry topic related to their teaching practice and pursues it during the Institute through research, reflection, and writing. The inquiry strand of the institute will focus on how to reconcile “writing on demand” with best practices in the teaching of writing.  We’re using two books on good writing practices and preparation for high stakes testing, one focused on elementary grades, the other on middle school and secondary.  So, in addition to writing we’ll do with guest writers, writing marathons, fun and community building, we’ll be thinking together about the big questions that teachers need to address right now.

Each participant prepares and conducts a professional development presentation or demonstration from their teaching practice.

The Institute provides an opportunity for teachers to reflect on their practice and on their own professional development and learning in a respectful, supportive, challenging environment.

Teachers share leadership roles and responsibilities in the Institute, working with colleagues in a community of learners.

After the Summer Institute

Upon completion of the Summer Institute, teachers become members of the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project and the National Writing Project eligible to participate in ongoing professional development related to teaching and writing.

Ongoing Writing Project professional development provides opportunities for teachers to grow as leaders, writers, and teachers throughout their careers.

Application

Teachers must apply for acceptance in the Summer Institute by submitting required materials. Candidates are selected based on application materials including recommendations, and personal interviews. Up to twenty candidates are selected each summer.

Tuition and Fees

$3,799

Many districts provide full or partial reimbursement for the six University of Pittsburgh graduate credits earned. Applicants are responsible for verifying how much reimbursement their district provides.

Fellowships

Full and partial fellowships are available based on need. Teachers may request fellowships based on the amount they are not reimbursed by their district.

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How to Apply:

First download a version of the Summer Institute for Teachers 2008 application.

Write a letter of application including:

• Current and past teaching experience
• Your reasons for applying to the Summer Institute for teachers
• A writing strategy or lesson that has been successful for you and your students
• A statement of Professional development goals the Summer Institute can help your reach
• A question about teaching and learning you would like to address in the Institute.

Please verify the amount of professional development reimbursement their district will provide for your completion of the Institute. You may request a fellowship based on that amount if it is less than full reimbursement.

Include a resume or curriculum vitae with the above and send them to:

Request a letter of recommendation from a supervisor or administrator in your school district or from a Western Pennsylvania Writing Project Fellow who is familiar with your teaching. Letters should be sent to the above address.

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