Seven Valleys Writing Project

The SVWP Summer Institute

July 6 through July 31, 2009

In the Summer Institute a select group of fifteen teacher-leaders come together at the Main Street SUNY Cortland for a four-week intensive professional experience during which they immerse themselves in their writing and the study of writing instruction. Participants explore strategies for enhancing learning through writing and work with the directors and visiting experts to become the new Teacher Consultants who then support other teachers who are trying to enhance learning and literacy in their classrooms. We are teachers teaching teachers.

Summer Institute participants are called Teacher-Consultants, or TCs. TCs receive six SUNY Cortland graduate credits, for no charge, to study writing and learning through the month of July. After Summer Institute they consult with schoolteachers in the Seven Valleys region who wish to find innovative ways to teach learning through writing. We also hold a variety of regional and national professional development activities, both on SUNY Cortland's campus, in teacher centers, and, for experienced TCs, in the schools as well. TCs become part of an energetic professional community of committed and supportive writers, educators, and leaders from throughout the Central New York region who meet regularly to discuss their writing and reading projects (and to simply enjoy each others' company). TCs also have opportunities to work with educators at a state and national level through conferences, political initiatives, and writing retreats.

Our Summer Institute Frequently Asked Questions page provides much more information about the Summer Institute. Consult the National Writing Project site for more information about the Summer Institute and the NWP itself.

---

Applying for the Summer Institute

Teachers and administrators,both retired and in "active duty," as well as others in education but not presently teaching are encouraged to apply for the 2009 Summer Institute. Here's how:

• Download the SVWP Summer Institute Application: http://cortland.edu/svwp/docs/SVWP-SumInstApp.pdf
• Complete the Applicant Information sheet with all your contact info.
• Write a brief essay of 1000-1500 words explaining why you're interested in participating in the SVWP Summer Institute. Describe what you bring to the project as a writer, teacher or administrator, and leader. Your audience is Brian Fay and David Franke and the Teacher-Consultants from 2008's Summer Institute. Being published is not at all a requirement.
• Include a letter of support from someone who knows you as a classroom teacher and as a leader. It is not required that the letter writer be your principal, but asking your principal may be a good way to open a discussion.
• (Optional): include a sample of your writing and/or your students' writing. Anything you are invested in will be fine, from grant applications 5-¶ essays, to poems or scholarship.

Mail these items by April 20, 2009 to:

Dr, David Franke
English and Professional Writing
SUNY Cortland
112 Old Main, Box 2000
Cortland, NY 13045
¿Questions? write 7VWP@7VWP.com or david.franke@cortland.edu

Application Process Schedule

The entire Summer Institute application packet is due April 20, 2009; by that Friday (April 24) we will mail notices that encourage you to either reapply next year or schedule an interview. Interviews will be held after school hours in the week of April 27-May 1. Final acceptance will be mailed out by Friday, May 8.