2016 Summer Writing Invitational Institute
Central Virginia Writing Project (CVWP)
July 11-22, 2016 (M-F) ▪ 9:00-3:00 p.m. ▪ UVA, Ruffner Hall, Room 302
Empowering Teacher-Leaders as Writers and Writing Instructors
The Center for the Liberal Arts in partnership with the Curry School of Education at
the University of Virginia is pleased to invite Central Virginia K-12 teachers from all
disciplinary backgrounds to apply for the 2016 Summer Writing Invitational Institute,
under the auspices of the Central Virginia Writing Project (CVWP) in collaboration
with the National Writing Project. The goal of the Institute is to support and empower
teacher-leaders as change agents within their classrooms, schools, and school
divisions by developing their knowledge and skills in writing and writing instruction,
giving them a forum to take risks as educators, to test out ideas, and to get feedback
from knowledgeable professionals. Additionally, national research studies confirm
significant gains in writing performance among students of teachers who have
participated in National Writing Project programs.
More specifically and in response to local school divisions’ increased focus on digital
writing and overall digital literacy, teachers will reimagine writing with a culturally
diverse lens in order to strengthen their students’ voices and writing skills needed to
successfully navigate an information-saturated and technology-rich 21st century.
Exploring ways to use writing as a tool not only to learn content but also to
understand differing cultures across the curriculum will serve as a guiding theme
throughout the two-week program. In addition to developing teachers’ disciplinary
areas of expertise through writing, an important objective of the Institute will be to
develop the teachers’ capacity to offer professional development for others within
their schools and/or school divisions. The Institute will be facilitated by Dr. Natasha
Heny, Assistant Professor of English Education at UVA, and Ms. Lisa Harman, an
elementary school teacher in Albemarle County Public Schools and previous Institute
participant and site co-director.
During Fall 2016, teachers will participate in continuity work groups comprised of
their Institute peers geared toward supporting teachers’ implementation of their
newfound writing knowledge and skills in the nuanced contexts of their classrooms
and student demographics. These study groups will be facilitated by two writing
instructors from the Department of English in the College of Arts and Sciences at UVA
for approximately 18 hours of program follow-up support.
Who should apply?
We are looking for experienced (at least 3
years of classroom teaching experience)
and effective teachers who desire to grow
as writers and as teachers of writing
across the curriculum. A commitment to
participate in the entire two weeks of the
Summer Writing Invitational Institute and
18 hours of the Fall 2016 continuity work
is also required, as is a collaborative spirit
in sharing ideas and learning from others
as well as a willingness to provide
professional development for colleagues
at the request of school division
administrators.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost to teachers to participate
in the two-week Summer Writing
Invitational Institute and 18 hours of Fall
2016 continuity work, thanks to a National
Writing Project grant and in-kind
contributions from the Center for the
Liberal Arts and the Curry School of
Education at UVA. Limited travel
scholarships are available to assist
teachers who are traveling from remote
geographical locations in Central Virginia.
Please send inquires to Becky Abell
Yancey, CLA Program Coordinator, at
434-982-5205 or [email protected].
How do I apply?
Please email the following two application components to Becky Abell Yancey at [email protected] by May 31, 2016:
1. Application Letter
Write a one-page (450 words or less) letter describing what your students do as writers on a typical day, what you do as their
teacher, and why you would like to attend the Summer Writing Invitational Institute. Please also include the following contact
information: name, address, phone number, email address (that you check regularly and during the summer), school name,
school division, grade(s) and subject(s) taught.
2. Letter of Reference
The letter of reference should be written by either your principal or instructional administrator at the school division level.
The letter should address the following questions: What are the strengths of the applicant as a classroom teacher? How do you
see the applicant as a teacher-leader in your school/school division? How will you support this teacher in taking on a
leadership role for writing instruction in your school/school division? How do you think this teacher will contribute to the
Central Virginia Writing Project (CVWP) professional learning and writing community?
Application Deadline: May 31, 2016
If you have any questions, please contact Becky Abell Yancey at 434-982-5205 or [email protected]. Letters of acceptance will
be sent no later than June 15, 2016.