What Is the Invitational Institute?
Every National Writing Project site—including 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.
In Their Own Words
Here's what some of our Summer Scholars had to say about their participation in Prairie Lands Writing Project's 2008 Invitational Institute:
Stephanie Davis, St. Joseph Lafayette High School English Teacher:
Prairie Lands Writing Project is the best professional development I have experienced. As a result of the Summer Institute, I am better equipped to teach my high school students how to write effectively.
Jennifer Millard, Osborn R-O School District Grade Five Teacher:
Prairie Lands is a window into a world, a community of writers, that I never knew existed. People with the same passions and desires to be more and do more with our writing, our students, and the teaching of writers. I am not alone.
Cayetana Maristela, Center School District Grades K-5 English Language Learners Teacher:
The Summer Invitational is a time where you learn about yourself, first and foremost! The SI is a time to think out of the box, and in doing so, you become a much better person and teacher.
Patricia Brost, Missouri Western State University Adjunct English Instructor:
The Institute was the best professional development experience I have ever had—an exhilarating experience!
Rachel Spencer, Byers, CO, High School Language Arts Teacher:
Prairie Lands has armed me not only with professional knowledge and tools and ideas that I can use now in the classroom to activate writers, but it has also given me a network of writers, teachers and pals I can count on for advice, ideas and friendship—an invaluable and life changing experience.
Dustin Sollars, Park Hill High School Language Arts Teacher:
Prairie Lands got me into the habit of writing for myself. More than anything it allowed me to put myself in the place of my students. I realized how much time is necessary for the production of good writing. Last year, it was easy for me to introduce an idea on Monday and ask for a draft on Tuesday. I don't think it will be that easy next year. I got to feel like a student again, but with a much slower metabolism this time.
Amanda Moyers, St. Joseph Central Language Arts Teacher:
This was an amazing opportunity that no teacher should pass up. I learned more about myself as a writer in the sixteen days of the Institute than in the last sixteen years.
Celesia Taylor, Clinton CO R-III Grade Eight Spanish Teacher:
Prairie Lands Writing Institute has been a revival for my teaching career. My students will greatly benefit from the concepts I've internalized.
