What is the Summer Institute?

Download the 2010 Application

The institute is comprised of 4 weeks of intensive study. Participating teachers will have opportunities to explore their own best practices and instructional “burning questions”; study writing theory and research;  experience the writing process by writing themselves and sharing their writing in both small and large groups; and prepare to teach other teachers how to effectively use writing in their classrooms.
The main components of the Summer Institute are:

1. A 90-minute Inquiry-based demonstration of a teaching practice that centers on writing.
2. A piece of professional writing based on teaching practices and research.
3. Completion of at least one piece of personal writing.
4. Personal and professional writings published in an anthology.

Inquiry-Based Teaching Demonstrations:

During the Invitational Summer Institute each participant will present a Teaching Demonstration of a best or an effective practice for engaging students in a reading or writing activity.  Inquiry-based demonstrations are intended to push teachers to explore their instructional practices with the intent of discovering some greater truth or insight about their best practices.  Likewise, inquiries might explore why a best practice serves to motivate students or why a particular approach successfully engages students in the lesson.  Inquiries may also explore ‘what if’ scenarios surrounding a best practice.  For example, “What would happen with literacy achievement gaps between boys and girls if I taught this lesson to homogenous groups instead of the whole class?”  While each Teaching Demonstration is unique, they all require that teachers reflect deeply on a best classroom practice, look at the evidence provided in their students’ work and incorporate outside research to support further inquiry into their instructional strategies.  Teacher-consultants who have successfully completed the RMWP will serve as coaches to guide Summer Institute participants in the preparation of their demonstrations. 

2009 Institute Reviews:

   The 2009 Rocky Mountain Writing Project Summer Institute brought together fifteen K-12 teachers from fourteen area school districts in northern Colorado. For four weeks in June and July, fellows spent time writing, discussing, writing, laughing, writing, questioning, and writing more! 
According to 2009 participant fellows, the best thing about the Summer Institute was . . .

• . . . presenting my teaching demonstration enlivened me, reminded me of my strengths. Visual Arts teacher, Emerald Elementary
• . . . my self-efficacy shot through the roof! Heath Middle School Language Arts teacher
• . . . it was helpful to hear positive feedback from my colleagues. Wiggins High School teacher
• . . . I wasn’t expecting technology instruction . . . now I can use Wikis, Facebook, Google docs and digital storytelling in my classroom.  Middle School teacher, Twin Peaks Charter School
• . . . finding a love of writing for myself.  Elementary teacher, H.S. Winograd School
• . . . I definitely feel better about the whole notion of “data-driven” instruction.  History, geography, and government teacher, Valley high School
• . . . got me writing again.  Elementary teacher, Twin Peaks Charter School.
• . . . the Writer’s Notebook gave me ideas for this fall.  Language Arts teacher, Union Colony Preparatory School
• . . . the whole project was a synthesis of best practices, cross curricular activities, and cutting edge ideas.  Mathematics teacher, Roosevelt High School.

What Happens After the Institute?

Follow-up meetings are held throughout each year to bring RMWP Fellows together for continued professional development and to plan ongoing programs and activities.  After completing the Invitational Summer Institute, 2010 RMWP Fellows will be invited to join the RMWP Leadership Team to assist with planning ongoing events, workshops, inservices, and conferences sponsored by our site.  We currently hold an annual Leadership Retreat in the fall, a New Teacher Institute, as well as many Professional Study Teams facilitated by our RMWP Teaching Consultants.  All past and current RMWP Fellows are encouraged to participate.

Who may apply for the Summer Institute?

Any teacher in any discipline, kindergarten through post-secondary, may apply. Educators from all subject areas and certifications are welcome. Educators, kindergarten through post-secondary, who have a proven track record of effective methods in teaching are identified and invited to attend our Invitational Summer Institute, which is based on the original NWP model of teachers-teaching-teachers.  The RMWP leadership panel collaborates in participant selection

When will the Summer Institute be held?

The 2010 Invitational Summer Institute will be held from June 14-July 09, 2010.
The Invitational Summer Institute will meet an average of five days a week, with time off for July 4th.  Sessions will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with one hour for lunch.  Sessions will be held at the University of Northern Colorado’s Centerra Campus in Loveland, Colorado. 

What will the Summer Institute cost?

Those participating in the Invitational Summer Institute will enroll in six hours of graduate credit (ENG 593). The National Writing Project and the Rocky Mountain Writing Project will off-set the cost determined annually by the status of the federal grant monies, of six hours of graduate credit, books, and supplies.   For more information, contact Teresa Sellmer at: teresa.sellmer@unco.edu.

How does one apply for the Summer Institute?

Download and complete the 2010 Application. (Click here for a *.pdf version of the application.)

Completed applications will be accepted at the Rocky Mountain Writing Project office until November 1, 2009 or until a diverse group of 20 applicants have been accepted.  Selected applicants can expect to be interviewed and learn of their acceptance to the program no later than mid-March 2010.  Applicants are encouraged to submit completed applications as early as possible to ensure consideration for the 2010 Institute.

Criteria for Selection:

Attendance at the Summer Institute is by invitation and is limited to twenty participants.  Those selected will demonstrate:

• Successful classroom teaching
• Commitment to using writing in the classroom
• Desire and ability to teach other teachers
• Openness to new ideas and approaches to teaching
• Willingness to write 

For more information, email Teresa Sellmer at Teresa.Sellmer@unco.edu or call (970) 351-2142.