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Join us for the Invitational Summer Institute for the Teaching of Writing
The Area 3 Writing Project invites teachers to apply for the Invitational Summer Institute. The summer institute brings teachers of diverse backgrounds together to examine and critique research, discuss writing practices, and engage in professional and personal writing. The Writing Project recognizes the expertise of successful classroom teachers and puts these teachers to work teaching others. This is a model that celebrates superior teaching and superior teachers, a model that puts a premium on what is working and what is possible in all classrooms.
Who should apply?
- Educators and administrators with a minimum of one year experience.
- Teachers of all grade levels (TK-College) and disciplines, including teachers of math, science, English, social studies, art, ELD, music, PE, special education, and foreign language.
- Reflective teachers who are willing to share their expertise and learn from others.
Dates/Locations
Orientation:
- April 26, 2025 9:00 am - 12:00pm (@UC Davis)
Summer Sessions:
- June 16 - July 3, 2025 (no meeting June 19) 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
- June 16-20 (@ UC Davis), June 23-July 3 (@Sacramento City School TBD)
Participant Expectations
- Read and discuss current research on literacy issues during the institute
- Create and present a 60-minute, inquiry-based teaching demonstration of an effective writing approach you have used with students. (Participants will be coached through this process by a mentor)
- Write and share writing in response groups
- Attend orientation (April 26, 2025)
- Attend all dates of the summer institute (June 16 - July 3, 2025)
Application Process and Timeline
Applications are due February 28, 2025. Staff will conduct interviews throughout March and applicants will be notified of their states by early April. Below are the details of the application process:
STEP 1: Submit Application
The application is comprised of personal contact information and responses to three writing prompts:
- Provide a written snapshot of your classroom. You may include (but don't feel limited to) any of the information below.
- Describe your students and their writing strengths and challenges.
- What does typical writing instruction look like?
- What successes and challenges do you face as a teacher of writing?
- In what ways do you collaborate with other teachers?
- What inquiries into your teaching would you like to investigate?
- During the Institute, each participant gives an inquiry-based teaching demonstration that focuses on an approach used to teach an aspect of literacy. Describe one or two possible approaches that you’ve used with students that might be a focus of your demonstration.
- What are your reasons for wanting to become a part of the Area 3 Writing Project, and what attributes would you bring as a teacher, learner, and leader?
STEP 2: Application Review
Applicants will be reviewed by A3WP directors and Institute co-leaders. In selecting applicants for interviews, reviewers strive for a balance of participants who represent different grade levels (TK-College), subject-area disciplines, and geographic regions.
STEP 3: Interviews
Interviews are scheduled for March 2025 on late afternoons and Saturdays (via Zoom). Interviewees are encouraged to bring samples of student writing connected with the strategy described in Question 2 of the application (see above).
STEP 4: Notifications
Applicants will be notified in early April regarding acceptance.
Fellowship Stipends and Academic Credits
Institute participants will receive a stipend of $300 for participation in the orientation, summer weeks, and school year follow-up events.
Participants may also purchase academic credit, information forthcoming.