Seven Valleys Writing Project

The SVWP Summer Institute

Pre-Institute (Orientation): June 4
Summer Institute: July25 through August 5, 2011

Pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time
-- Constantine Cavafy's "Ithaca"

In the Summer Institute a select group of teacher-leaders who come together at the Main Street SUNY Cortland for an 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 SUNY Cortland graduate credits at a reduced rate to study writing and learning through the month of July. After Summer Institute they consult with school teachers 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.

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Applying for the Summer Institute

Teachers and administrators, both retired and "active duty," as well as others in education but not presently teaching, are encouraged to apply for the 2011 Summer Institute. Here's how:

• Download the 2011 Summer Institute Application
• 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 teachers (we're all teachers)! Being published is not 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 to 5-¶ essays, from poems or scholarship.

Mail these items by May 21, 2011 (and preferably earlier) 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 May 21, 2011. Interviews will be held after school hours in May. Our Pre-Institute day (part of the Summer Institute) will be held on June 4, 2011