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 2009 Invitational Institute:
Liberty Usera, Missouri Western English Instructor:
Other teachers should participate in the PLWP Summer Invitational in order to expand their knowledge and views about writing. Writing cannot be taught in isolation but taught in community. Writing is the mirror that reflects back on the writer and on the reader; teachers become the mirror makers during the Summer Invitational, polishing their new works and framing them accordingly.
Tyler Carlson, Savannah High School Language Arts Teacher:
The SI is a tremendous opportunity to become part of a community of writers and teachers. So rare are the times when writing teachers get to explore their own writing and their own writing processes. The SI is exactly that. The richness of the information I have compiled through the SI is something that I will always be thankful for. I loved being in that room, carrying on discussions with such unique and thoughtful teachers.
Renee Wilson, Smithville Middle School Language Arts Teacher:
During the summer institute I not only grew as a teacher, but as a writer. Watching the demos helped reaffirm what I was doing in my classroom and gave me new ideas to try out.
Gina Calvin, Platte County School District Instructional Coach:
PLWP Summer Invitational gave me the opportunity to look deep within myself as a teacher, leader, and writer. I am inspired to write and learn more about teaching writing.
Kira Rushing, Savannah Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher:
PLWP SI is a great opportunity to network as well as gain new ideas and insights to teaching Writing in your classroom. Whether you are a LA teacher or you teach in another subject area you will definitely gain ideas and strategies to incorporate more writing in your classroom.
Diana Deatherage, Lake Contrary Elementary Teacher:
I have gained not only confidence in myself as a writer, but I also believe I will be a better teacher of writing as a result of this experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Yvonne Sexton, Winnetonka High School Teacher:
Prairie Lands Summer Invitational 2009 was a wonderful experience for me. I have been teaching for many years where negativity has brought me down. After this institute, I feel rejuvenated and ready for the coming school year! I am going into this new school year with many, many ideas that I believe will make my students to be glad they are in my class!
Brandon Haskey, Central High School Language Arts Teacher:
PLWP provided me the opportunity to reinvigorate my love of writing. As teachers we often get swept away by paperwork, deadlines, professional development, and God knows what else. PLWP reminded me why I love to write and provided me with a network of other passionate teachers and writers with which to develop my work both professionally and personally. My students will be better writers and better people thanks to the development of my writing, the relationships I've developed with other teachers, and the time spent at the institute talking about being a better teacher.
Chandler Cooper, Spring Garden Middle School Language Arts Teacher:
Collaborating among teachers from different districts, grade levels, and genres opened my eyes to the many opportunities there are to expand my own writing as well as my teaching practices. Every day I filled my journal with rich ideas to use in my classroom. I gained valuable insight from my writing group on how to improve my writing and share my thoughts with other teachers. I am a better teacher because of the institute.
