January 14, 2005

Idaho Teachers Invited To Apply To National Writing Project Summer Institute At Boise State

Idaho teachers in kindergarten through college are invited to apply to the National Writing Project (NWP) Summer Institute at Boise State University. Applicants may be full- or part-time teachers of any subject. Those selected as one of 20 NWP Fellows will receive all books and materials, as well as a $1,000 stipend toward the cost of six graduate credits. The workshop, which begins in June, is funded through NWP and Boise State grants. This is the first year for the program at Boise State. The National Writing Project is a national effort to improve writing in the United States by providing the resources teachers need to help their students, including leadership, programs and research. There are currently NWP programs in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In the Summer Institute workshops, teachers present their most effective practices and immerse themselves in writing as part of a “train the trainer” approach. They are then encouraged to work with other teachers to share their insights. Fellows are also charged with creating projects in their schools or communities to benefit students and/or parents.   Jeffrey Wilhelm, a Boise State associate professor of English and director of Idaho’s NWP center, is responsible for creating the Boise State program. He established a similar NWP site in 1997 at the University of Maine that involved hundreds of teachers and had a significant impact on the teaching of literacy in the state. Upon his move to the Treasure Valley, he was surprised to find the largest geographic area within the 48 contiguous states without a NWP site (Idaho also has a site in Moscow).   “The Carnegie Commission said the NWP was the most powerful and influential grass roots movement in the history of America,” he said of his effort to establish a site in Southwest Idaho. “I see it as a great tool to help teachers improve their teaching.”   Wilhelm said the NWP is an excellent tool in improving literacy in any subject and that the Summer Institute both encourages and rewards teachers. “I believe with all my heart that teachers do as much for our children and our culture as anyone. I can’t imagine a more fulfilling job … NWP is not only about supporting teachers but about treating them the way they need to be treated,” Wilhelm said. “I also believe it’s very important to have a network where teachers are constantly talking to each other and helping each other.”   Teachers interested in applying for the Summer Institute should e-mail Wilhelm at jwilhelm@boisestate.edu to request an application packet. Applications are due by mid-March.   Contact: Jeffrey Wilhelm, Department of English, (208) 426-1199, jwilhelm@boisestate.edu                                                              Media Contact: Kathleen Craven, University Relations, (208) 426-3275, kcraven@boisestate.edu Online at: http://news.boisestate.edu.