Blackwater Writing Project Summer Institute

VALDOSTA -- Area teachers have been learning the fundamentals of writing education through the annual Blackwater Writing Project Summer Institute, hosted by VSU’s English Department and College of Education.

The four-week seminar has allowed teachers to explore writing theories and best writing practices to improve the way they teach writing in K through college classrooms.

“This year, the summer institute includes teachers from Valdosta City Schools and school systems in surrounding cities,” said Blackwater Writing Project Director Donna Sewell.

The summer institute activities include personal and professional writing. The participants are encouraged to think creatively when writing and to review their work with peers.

Participants for the summer institute were selected after a nomination and interview process. Before the summer institute began, chosen teachers participated in two pre-institute orientation meetings, designed to introduce them to the program.

VSU’s Blackwater Writing Project has hosted the summer institute since 1995. The Blackwater Writing Project is part of the National Writing Project, which is the only federally funded program in the nation geared toward the professional development of teachers in writing education. The Blackwater Writing Project is overseen by the English Department, in collaboration with the College of Education, and serves 13 counties.

For more information about the Blackwater Writing Project, contact Donna Sewell at (229) 333-5946 or visit http://www.valdosta.edu/bwp/default.html .