What Is the Invitational Institute? Prairie Lands Writing Project offers experienced teachers the opportunity to apply and participate in an annual summer Invitational Institute. During the summer, these Teacher Scholars prepare for leadership roles by demonstrating their most effective practices, studying research, and improving their knowledge of writing by writing themselves. Upon successful completion of the Invitational Institute, they receive NWP Teacher Consultant certification and join our TC cadre, putting their knowledge and leadership to work to improve student achievement.
Here's what some of our Summer Scholars had to say about their participation in Prairie Lands Writing Project's Invitational Institute
The information and knowledge gained during the institute are invaluable to me as a teacher. I am excited to take things back to my school and share with the other teachers, but more importantly, to put the knowledge I have gained to use in my classroom. Thank you PLWP for such a wonderful opportunity.
I never thought my writing was interesting or thought provoking. However, my PLWP experience has caused me to believe in myself as a writer. (Video)
Other teachers should definitely participate in the Summer Invitational because the conversations in which you gain so much knowledge cannot be found anywhere else. I learned more in the Institute than I think I learned in college about actually teaching and growing.
The Invitational allowed me to continue learning and connect with the teaching community.
When I think about what I've gotten from the Summer Institute, it makes my brain hurt in the best sort of way. I have learned so much from these other teachers, and more than anything, I've been energized by them. It is so refreshing to sit in a room of teachers who care about students and want to learn how to help them learn best. That enthusiasm is catching, and I am so ready to get back into the classroom and figure out how to turn that into learning for my students. (Video)
Preparing and presenting the demo inquiry project is a very engaging experience that provides valuable feedback about topics and issues related to teaching.
PLWP was a refreshing experience to help focus on what is truly important in education. I loved working with other teachers from other districts and trying to figure out how ideas can be used across the curriculum. Technology is always changing so the new ideas I learned through my PLWP colleagues were very helpful. (Video)
The Invitational is the best tool that I know of for formulating ideas, sharing ideas, working as a writing community, and improving teaching skills. (Video)
The Invitational provided the time and support for me to think deeply about something that was very important to me. Because the program was so tailored to my needs, I was able to really learn and grow as a teacher. PLWP SI showed me that I am not alone. . . that other teachers struggle with the same issues.
The Invitational is the best investment I have made in myself as a teacher and in my students. I have learned so many new techniques and ideas to implement in my classroom. I have also rededicated myself to doing what is best for students in the classroom, and I am motivated to continue my writing and to continue my inquiry into what makes good teaching. (Video)
I not only gained some fabulous new teaching tools, I was also able to begin building my own professional learning community, which I think will be invaluable to me in the future.
I have always geared my endeavors towards the improvement of reading skills without realizing how interconnected reading and writing truly are. The PLWP Institute has helped me broaden my focus to include the idea of enhancing communication and reading through the teaching of writing and personal expression. I don't know of any discipline which could not be positively influenced by participation in a writing institute.
The Institute has been, truly, life-changing for me, on both a personal and professional level. I learned so much about how I can be a better teacher of writing, and the institute rekindled my passion for writing that I had not practiced in Years. As a result of the institute, I've gained a professional network of teachers with whom I can share ideas and teaching strategies, and I plan to continue writing on my own. (Video)
My first thought was I can't believe I am giving up four weeks of my summer, but then after the first day, I knew it was going to be time well spent. The information and lessons gained from these four short weeks is tremendous!