Participate in A New Approach to Educational Practice
The UM Writing Project offers teachers the opportunity to participate in an intensive learning experience that actively involves them with such innovative educational methods as cooperative learning, and reading-and-writing-to-learn in all academic subject areas, literature-based writing curriculum and alternative assessment. In addition, teachers learn from each other, practice strategies to improve their own reading and writing abilities, and build a supportive community of leaders.
Specially trained institute leaders facilitate learning sessions that challenge teacher-participants to engage in problem-solving activities, using the creative strategies of active and cooperative learning, with an emphasis on reflective thinking and writing. Teacher-participants are called upon to re-form or re-construct their teaching philosophy and methods by being placed in learning situations where they are asked to take risks, be keen observers, and remain open to learning from their students and peers.
Seeking to improve the teaching of reading, writing, and thinking in all subjects at all levels, K-postsecondary, the Writing Project invites northern Mississippi teachers to participate in the sixteenth annual Summer Institute conducted at the University of Mississippi, Oxford Campus.The Institute is an intensive program in which teachers participate 1) to develop their ability to teach reading, writing, and thinking, 2) to design classroom materials, 3) to become eligible to serve as Master Teachers in writing and language arts who will train other teachers in the schools, and 4) to employ the reflective thinking and writing techniques used in the National Board Certification process.
APPLICATION
ELIGIBILITYTeachers in all subject areas from Kindergarten to Post-secondary level in northern Mississippi schools are eligible to apply for admission to the UMWP Institute.
Teachers interested in applying may use the enclosed form. After applications are screened, selected candidates will be invited to the University of Mississippi for interviews. Selection of Institute participants will be made by the Director and Co-Directors in consultation with an advisory committee of school and University personnel. Summer Institute Admission and Fellowships will be offered to the best-qualified candidates.
SELECTION
CRITERIAParticipants will be selected on the basis of teaching excellence, a desire to improve their own writing, an interest in learning more about reading and writing processes and how to teach them in their own content areas, and an interest in and ability to work in year-round school staff development programs.
UMWP Institute participants will receive:
-state-of-the-art training in reading and writing instruction
-six semester hours of graduate credit in English or Education-cost-free
-a stipend toward costs of materials, transportation, and accommodations
-membership in the University of Mississippi Writing Project
As part of the course work, each participant will write an essay from personal experience utilizing the writing process, create piece of professional writing, and present a professional development presentation. In addition, participants will become eligible to conduct professional development instruction as teacher-consultants of the Writing Project.
APPLICATION
DEADLINETo insure consideration submit application by Friday, February 8, 2008 to Dr. Ellen Shelton, The University of Mississippi Writing Project, P.O. Box 9, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677. Click here to download the printable application.
The University of Mississippi Writing Project (UMWP) is dedicated to improving writing instruction in all appropriate courses at all levels of schooling-elementary, secondary, and postsecondary. In English classes the focus is reading, writing, and thinking processes. In other subject areas the focus is writing-to-learn activities. Summer Writing Institute Teachers conduct professional development programs during the academic year in area schools.
The Institute will be directed by the UMWP Director Dr. Ellen Shelton, Director of the UM Writing Project and Tupelo High School Teacher; by Co-Director, Dr. Jaime Harker, Assistant Professor of English at the University of Mississippi; Ms. Lee Benoit, Oxford Elementary Teacher, and Mrs. Angela Griffin, South Panola High School. Guest consultants will make supplemental presentations, including Ms. Geraldine Lunday, Ashland Elementary School Teacher, and Ms. Allison Movitz, Bruce High School.
The UMWP is sponsored by the University of Mississippi and the National Writing Project; the program is affiliated with the Mississippi Writing/Thinking Institute.
For further information call (662) 915-7925.
