2010 Invitational Summer Institute (ISI)

“This experience has changed me in many ways. I have changed as a writer; I now see myself as a writer. It has also changed the way that I am going to teach. I now understand the importance of community in the classroom. I have experienced a community of writers, and I want to give my kids the same experience.” –CVWP Fellow, Summer Institute

“This program changed my life” – CVWP Fellow, Summer Institute

“I would have to say this has been one of the most important events in my life as a writer and as a teacher. It’s been rejuvenating, humbling, expanding, empowering.” – CVWP Fellow, Summr Institute

The talented teachers who attend our Institute for one month each summer share vast amounts of experience, skills, knowledge, and strategies with one another.  Fellows not only mine these rich resources, but they also learn from a guest author and former Fellows who facilitate demonstrations and support the creation of the new Fellows’ teacher research projects.  Graduates of the Institute, known as Teacher Consultants are invited to engage in a yearlong Continuity experience. As they gain confidence, many enjoy leadership opportunities, such as providing Professional Development for other teachers at conferences and workshops.

2010 Fellows in our CVWP Invitational Summer Institute will explore shifting definitions of literacy in this digital age and learn to provide writing opportunities that support their students’ engagement with technology as they write for multiple purposes and audiences.

The Theme of our 2010 Institute is: Writing Across the Curriculum (in an information-steeped age)

Given that summer Fellows represent all subject areas and grade levels, Writing Across the Curriculum provides us with a theme that all can appreciate. As writers, Fellows will write in all curriculum areas in many genres and modalities. Similarly, as teachers, everyone will study and plan Writing Across the Curriculum writing experiences for their students.

A vital aspect of the Institute is: Writing to Learn

Institute Fellows will engage in their own writing within the essential gifts of time, space, and reflection required to delve into intensive writing. Participants experience a balance of solitude, peer interaction, and mentorship by a published author, experienced teachers. The Fellows create a community of thoughtful educators who exchange teaching ideas, instructional processes, and resources. Plus, they experiment with new-to-them ideas they learn from each other and within the books, articles, and other resources they study.  

Apply to Become a Project Fellow!

“For all these years, I had no idea of the goldmine in my backyard”  -CVWP Fellow, referring to her experience in the Summer Institute
We invite you to consider becoming a Fellow of CVWP’s 31st Summer Institute at the University of Virginia. The 2010 Institute will take place from July12-July 16. CVWP offers teachers the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, form partnerships with other teachers, become engaged in teacher research, and gain leadership skills.  Teachers selected as Fellows of the Institute will receive

1. One graduate credit hours in English or English Education upon successful completion of the Institute
2. Grant funding, subject to availability, to cover tuition and fees, if the applicant’s school division is not able to provide the necessary professional development funds

The Institute tuition: UVA rate

Applicants may be from all subject areas and levels.  As part of the application process, applicants will be contacted for an interview at UVA.  Accepted Fellows must attend a mandatory orientation and registration meeting before the start of the Institute.

Only teachers sponsored by their schools may apply for admission to the Institute.

1. All applicants must request a letter of recommendation from a department chair, literacy coordinator, or administrator (which should be e-mailed directly to the CVWP Director at jh5re@virginia.edu (Professor Jane Hansen)
2. The sponsoring school should make every effort to cover tuition and fees for their accepted Fellows.
3. The sponsoring school should encourage Project Fellows to share ideas from the Institute with colleagues

Reflections from Graduates, or Teacher Consultants

“It was a real learning experience . . . Everyone should come away from this Institute with a wealth of ideas to take into our classrooms.“ – CVWP Fellow, Summer Institute
“[CVWP involved] lots of hard work but an amazing amount of fun. I am completely recharged for next year—thank you!” –CVWP Fellow, Summer Institute
“I enjoyed networking with our teachers. We had so many ideas to share. I was surprised by how it changed my life…yes, it was life-changing.” –CVWP Fellow, Summer Institute
“I have appreciated the fellowship of teachers, writers, adults, and forward thinking individuals. I also liked the level of rigor and well-planned schedule.” –CVWP Fellow, Summer Institute

The Daily Schedule & Other Information.

Fellows will meet from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at UVA’s Curry School (Ruffner Hall), Monday through Friday (from July 12-July 16). This four-week commitment enables community-building as well as the necessary time, solitude, mentorship, collaboration, and reflection required to become immersed in our own writing.  This intensive month also allows Fellows to explore a self-chosen inquiry in-depth, read relevant research, and develop a teacher-research project to engage in during the upcoming school year.

Options for Travelers

For teachers living too far from Charlottesville to commute to UVA’s Curry School, University housing is available. Please contact the CVWP Director for details.

If you would like to receive a brochure and application via the regular mail, please send us your mailing address.