Every National Writing Project (NWP) site—including Prairie Lands Writing Project—offers experienced teachers the opportunity to apply and participate in an annual summer Invitational Institute. The Invitational Summer Institute is the cornerstone of the National Writing Project’s teachers-teaching teachers professional development model. These Summer 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, participants receive NWP Teacher Consultant certification—becoming NWP and PLWP Teacher consultants—and put their knowledge and leadership to work to improve student achievement. They also earn graduate credit through MoWest (currently 6 credit hours).

To apply for one of the 10 spots in the 2027 Summer Institute, applicants should review the dates and times below, then submit the completed online application with a current resume to PLWP Director Dr. Susan Martens at smartens@missouriwestern.edu.

All educators in all content areas and grade levels are welcome to apply.

Tuition scholarships to fund six graduate credit hours at MoWest are available to applicants selected to attend.

PLWP’s 2027 Summer Institute 2027 will be a hybrid course, combining Zoom sessions on Mondays and Thursdays and campus meetings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Institute dates are Monday – Thursdays, June 14 – July 8.