Overview
The CDWP Invitational Summer Institute is an intensive professional experience through which participating teachers immerse themselves in their own writing and in the study of writing instruction. Successful teachers from throughout the Capital Region come together for four weeks on the campus of the State University of New York at Albany to explore strategies for teaching students at all grade levels to write well and for enhancing student learning in general. Teachers work on their own writing, study current research and theory, share teaching strategies, and learn about writing and teaching from visiting experts in the field.
Teachers who participate in the Summer Institute receive a stipend of $1,000 and earn 150 hours toward required professional development. They also have opportunities to consult with schools in the Capital Region and to engage in a variety of regional and national professional development activities. They become part of a vibrant community of committed and supportive educators from throughout the Capital Region and also have opportunities to interact with educators on a national level.
Applications should be submitted to CDWP by April 7, 2012. For more information about application requirements and deadlines, email CDWP at cdwp@albany.edu, or contact
- Dr. Robert Yagelski 518-442-5002
- Carol Forman-Pemberton 518-399-7545
- Alicia Wein 518-453-0025
2012 Summer Institute Application
Timeline of Events and Commitments
Pre-Institute Weekend Retreat. The Summer Institute includes a Pre-Institute Weekend Retreat at the Carey Retreat Center (formerly the Rensselaerville Retreat Center), which will be held on May 4-5, 2012. The retreat allows the summer institute participants to get to know one another, share writing, and begin the work they will do together during the main summer institute.
Main Summer Institute. Participants in the institute will meet daily, June 25-July 19, 2012, Monday through Thursday, with mornings devoted to whole-group meetings for discussion, teacher presentations of writing lessons, and guest speakers, and afternoons dedicated to writing and inquiry groups. Fridays are generally reserved for writing time. The CDWP Summer Institute has three main components designed to help teachers work collaboratively: writing groups, inquiry groups, and teacher demonstrations. Participants also have time to devote to their own writing and reading.
Monthly Meetings. During the school year following the Summer Institute, participants will come together for monthly meetings at which they will build upon their summer work and continue their shared inquiry into writing and teaching writing. These meetings are intended to provide ongoing support for participants’ own writing as well as for their efforts to develop their own writing pedagogies. Participants also have opportunities at these meetings to help plan CDWP events and inservice programs.
