Missouri Western State University
Apply Today!
Skip to content
(816) 271-4315 | Eder Hall 201|plwp@missouriwestern.edu
Prairie Lands Writing Project Logo
  • Home
  • About
    • Who are we?
    • The Advisory Team
    • Follow Us
  • Summer Institute
  • Youth Programs
    • High School Writing Day
  • Graduate Offerings
    • Graduate Courses
  • Educator Outreach Programs
    • Pizza and Pedagogy
    • Writing Marathons
    • Writing Retreat
  • Contact
Aboutcpendleton2020-12-21T15:05:47-06:00

Who We Are

Founded in 1987, Prairie Lands Writing Project is northern Missouri’s only National Writing Project site. Our site began as a collaborative effort between Missouri Western State College, now Missouri Western State University (MWSU), and the St. Joseph School District (SJSD). We are currently housed in the Communication Department at MWSU.

In 1996, we changed our site name from the Writing Project at St. Joseph to Prairie Lands Writing Project (PLWP), reflecting our desire to serve teachers beyond the borders of our city. We have been successful in that we now deliver a range of programs year-round throughout northern Missouri: teacher learning communities, writing groups and retreats, in-services, youth writing camps, advanced institutes and open institutes.

We aim to improve student writing and literacy skills, grades K – 16, providing professional development opportunities for teachers, using the teachers’ teaching teachers model.

Our Goals

  • Improve writing instruction K-college
  • Provide a professional and intellectual home for literacy educators at all levels
  • Promote the National Writing Project’s “teachers teaching teachers” model
  • Advocate for literacy education, teachers, schools, students, and communities
  • Promote professional development which includes a belief that the best teachers of writing are writers themselves

Core Programs

  • Invitational Summer Institute
  • Graduate courses and programs
  • Youth writing programs
  • High School Writing Day
  • Writing marathons and retreats
  • Advanced Institutes
  • School-based in-service

Mission Statement

The Prairie Lands Writing Project, founded in 1987 and housed at Missouri Western State University, works to improve student writing and the teaching of writing throughout northwest Missouri.

CONTACT US

Director: Dr. Susan Martens

Eder Hall 201
(816) 271-4315
plwp@missouriwestern.edu

CONNECT WITH US

Missouri Western State University
4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507
(816) 271-4200   |    Contact Us   |    Feedback
Report a problem or submit feedback about this website.
MWSU is an equal opportunity university committed
to achieving excellence through diversity.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request
to individuals with disabilities.
Missouri TTY users can dial 711.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
© Missouri Western State University