Summer Institute

The Invitational Summer Institute is a professional development program where teachers of all subjects and grade levels, Pre-K to college, come together to explore best practices, write and respond to others’ writing and read and discuss current research. Participants return to their classrooms with a wealth of ideas generated by sharing strategies and activities for instruction and assessment with other dedicated educators, a renewed energy for teaching, a sense of confidence in their own writing abilities and a connection to a larger collegial group.

Pre-Summer Institute

Stillwater, OK: May 10th 9a-12p

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Summer Institute

Stillwater, OK: June 9-13 & June 16-18 9a-4:30p

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Applications Due: April 7, 2025. $400 stipend for completing the Institute.

What to Expect

Teachers who attend the Summer Institute will:

• Develop teaching strategies that fit their style and meet the needs of their students
• Read and discuss research on the teaching of writing and how it may be applied to subjects across the curriculum
• Work in groups and share writing
• Present a demonstration
• Develop professional leadership roles as researchers, practitioners, writers and in-service providers

Benefits

Teachers who attend the Summer Institute:

• Receive graduate credit
• Earn professional development points
• Publish in the OSU Writing Project Summer Anthology
• Receive training in Writing in the Content Areas: strategies for ELL instruction, technology, integration and achievement gap reduction
• Receive free professional development for schools sending teams of two teachers
• Join a professional community of writers and teacher leaders
• Train as a professional development workshop facilitator for “teachers teaching teachers”

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the OSU Writing Project?

  In conjunction with the National Writing Project, we support and empower our education colleagues
  through professional development opportunities that connect teaching with practice. In the words of Ally
  Sharp, it is an “intellectual home for teachers and writers.”

• What is the Summer Institute?

  The Summer Institute is a two-week immersive professional development experience aimed to provide
  opportunities for collaboration, reflection and writing. The Summer Institute is a place to learn from other
  teachers and be given permission to teach writing beyond the standards, to explore writing oneself and gain
  insight to social justice issues facing our communities today.

• What will we learn?

  Participants will learn vital strategies to enhance writing instruction and collaborate with teachers across
  Oklahoma to learn new and innovative ways to aid students in the writing process. In addition, participants
  gain the time and space needed to explore topics of interest with the benefit of other educators’ input and
  experiences. During our two weeks together, participants will also gain insight into social justice topics, including the history and ramifications of the Tulsa Race Massacre. The Summer Institute will feature place-based learning in the historic Black Wall Street district in downtown Tulsa, panels featuring prestigious speakers from across Oklahoma and inspiring demonstrations of teaching. Throughout this experience, participants will receive valuable resources to enrich their writing instruction and curriculum.

• Can I get graduate credit?

  Yes! The OSU Writing Project is a graduate-level course through Oklahoma State University. Participants can
  choose to take the course for graduate credit or for professional development hours. If you would like to
  complete the Writing Project for graduate credit, you will need to apply to the OSU Graduate
  College as a special student (non-degree seeking). Learn more here.

• Who can apply?

  Teachers of all subjects, specialists, counselors, and administrators serving in Oklahoma schools may apply.

• What if I'm not an ELA teacher? Will I get much out of this experience?

  Absolutely! Writing instruction does not and should not be limited to language arts/writing teachers. Every
  teacher, mentor, specialist and administrator has the obligation and power to aid students in their writing
  knowledge, practice and development.

• Will there be an interview?

  Applicants will participate in a group interview on May 20th and June 10th at 10 a.m. via Zoom. The goal of the
  interview is to get to know our applicants and introduce the core values and activities of the OSU Writing
  Project and the National Writing Project as a whole.

• What does it cost?

  For those participating in the Summer Institute for graduate credit, scholarships are available.

• What accommodations are available?

  If accommodations are needed, we have OSUWP alumni who are willing to open up their homes around the
  Tulsa area. There is also the potential for discounted hotel accommodations. Participants accepted to the
  OSU Writing Project should let directors know if they need accommodations. Carpooling will also be
  available for those living in Stillwater, and additional carpooling may be available depending on the location of
  others accepted to the program.

• What will be expected of me during the Summer Institute?
  Participants will be expected to complete key readings, a teaching demonstration and two writing assignments in addition to participating in activities and discussions throughout the Institute. A more detailed
  syllabus will be made available to those accepted to the program.
• What will I achieve when I complete the Summer Institute?
  Once the Summer Institute is complete, participants become members of a tight knit community of educators. As a community, we lean upon each other for instructional, professional and oftentimes emotional support. Participants who complete the Summer Institute will also be eligible to become a OSU Writing Project Teacher Consultant. Our Teacher Consultants are hired to provide writing instruction professional development in schools throughout Oklahoma and beyond.