Invitational Summer Institute
Since 1986, the Philadelphia Writing Project has sponsored an Invitational Summer Institute (ISI) on Writing and Literacy for K-16 educators in the Philadelphia region. The institute engages teachers in reflective inquiries into practice and the processes of teaching and learning.
This year's ISI is supported by a Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) grant from the Library of Congress. In the ISI, teachers will consider how texts such as historical primary sources can support interdisciplinary learning, challenge assumptions of a single story, and connect to contemporary issues and civic conversations. The institute will open inquiries into community, equity, justice, and civically engaged argument writing.
In addition to featuring resources from the Library of Congress, the ISI will engage with Dr. Gholdy Muhammad's Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy Framework as well as resources for argument writing developed by the National Writing Project's College, Career, and Community Writers Program.
Applying for the Institute
Program Dates:
The 2024 Invitational Summer Institute will be held Monday - Friday, June 17 - 21* and Monday - Friday, June 24 - 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
*The Institute will not meet on Juneteenth. There will be a Saturday meeting in October.
Complete the Invitational Summer Institute application here.
Credits
Participants will receive 4 CEs from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania upon successful completion of all course requirements. Continuing education credits (CEs) are recognized by the School District of Philadelphia and other educational entities. Participants also earn ACT 48 credits.
Cost
Free tuition credit for Philadelphia teachers; $150 book fee
Membership
Participants who complete all fellowship requirements with a grade of passing will become Teacher Consultants in the Philadelphia Writing Project, as well as members of the National Writing Project Network.
Application Process
The application process is competitive. Applicants need to:
(1) Complete our online form, providing contact information, school information, professional information, and a personal narrative.
The narrative portion asks you to describe your view of teaching and learning, especially ways that you see writing as a part of a life-long learning process. It also asks you to discuss aspects of your teaching that you would be interested in sharing or enhancing by exploring your practice with other teachers (limited to 500 words, which is equivalent to 1 single-spaced page).
(2) Submit the following documents via email to philwp@gse.upenn.edu or by mail to:
Philadelphia Writing Project
PO Box 30941
Philadelphia, PA 19104
- A letter of commitment filled out and signed by you and your principal or designee.
- OPTIONAL: A single copy of student writing accompanied by an explanation of the assignment and any questions or concerns
