TEACHERS AS WRITERS WORKSHOP

Third Coast Writing Project @ Western Michigan University

JUNE 20-JULY 1, 2011

For experienced writers and those who want to focus on creative or academic writing for
the first time. Here there is time to focus on the craft of writing and how to use it in
working with student writers. Funding from the National Writing Project (Berkeley,
CA) reduces program tuition costs significantly. (2-3 optional WMU English
graduate credits)

Teachers bring drafts, ideas, and/or unrealized good intentions that may too often have
been pushed aside. They welcome the time and response provided in support of their
own writing. They work within a community of teachers and writers to strengthen their
own teaching and writing.

While participants may work in any genre, including professional writing, this workshop
primarily derives its lessons about writing from (1) poetry, with an emphasis on infusing
all writing with the imagery and impact of poetry, and (2) stories and narrative to bring
writing to life. Participants learn strategies that can inform their own writing and their
teaching, but that also work well with students who write fiction, creative nonfiction, and
such innovative genres as micro-fiction, episodic narratives, and multi-genre research
papers. Selected participant writing will be published in the Third Coast Writing Project’s
2011 Summer Anthology.

Who will lead the workshop?

Dan Holt, M.A., is a former newspaper reporter, football coach, and St. Joseph High
School creative writing and journalism teacher. He has led countless writing workshops
for teachers, and twice was named Michigan Creative Writing Teacher of the Year by the
Michigan Youth Arts Festival. He co-edited Home and Other Places: Voices from
Southwest Michigan (New Issues Press, 1998). His poetry and articles have been
published in the English Journal (National Council of Teachers of English), the
Language Arts Journal of Michigan (Michigan Council of Teachers of English), the
National Writing Project’s Quarterly, and more.

How can you apply?

Successful teachers and administrators across content areas and grade levels are
encouraged to submit an application, which is due by April 20, 2011.

1. Attach a brief letter (see mailing address on next page) in which you explain
 Your interests and strengths as a writer and educator
 What you hope to gain from participating
 How your experience might benefit your students and/or other teachers

2. Request a brief letter of support for your participation, ideally from a school
administrator or colleague who can highlight your strengths as an educator.
3. The Teachers as Writers Workshop will meet 9:00-3:00 Monday-Friday, June 20-July
1, in Schneider Hall on WMU’s campus. Program participants will be invited to a TCWP
Saturday Summer Preview event at WMU’s Fetzer Center in May, date pending.

What is the cost?

Funding from the National Writing Project (Berkeley, CA) reduces

program tuition costs. Participants can earn 2 or 3 optional WMU
English graduate credits:

Registration + 2 WMU English graduate credits = $600

Registration + 3 WMU English graduate credits = $700
Registration + 0 WMU English graduate credits = $600

Complimentary campus parking and text materials will be provided

without additional charge.

“I loved the time for writing each day and the response groups. And of
course you must keep the Saugatuck Writing Marathon!”

--Middle School English Language Arts teacher

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APPLICATION FOR TCWP’S TEACHERS AS WRITERS

WORKSHOP APPEARS ON THE NEXT PAGE
 TCWP APPLICATION
TEACHERS AS WRITERS WORKSHOP
Please send your completed application by APRIL 20, 2011. 
(Keep a copy of this flyer and application.)

Name

Home Address

City State Zip Code

Home Phone School Phone Email Address

School Address

City State Zip Code

Grade(s) and Subject(s) Currently Teaching

Mail to: Dr. Ellen Brinkley, Director Phone: 269-387-2581

Third Coast Writing Project
English Department
Western Michigan University
1903 W. Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5331
Fax: 269-387-2562
Email: ellen.brinkley@wmich.edu
http://thirdcoastwp.wikispaces.com/


Teachers as Writers Workshop applicants may still apply after April 20. Contact
Dr. Brinkley via email to inquire about possible openings.