Invitational PhilWP Institute

The Invitational PhilWP Institute is a professional development program designed to help teachers enhance their instructional practices through inquiry-based pedagogy. Participants will engage in hands-on workshops, collaborative learning, writing, and reflective discussions to foster student-centered teaching, critical thinking, and writing pedagogy. By the end of the Institute, participants will be recognized as Teacher Consultants, joining a network of educators at the National Writing Project committed to ongoing professional learning. They will also receive a certificate in Inquiry-Based Writing Pedagogies from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Writing Project.

Application Deadline: June 23rd, 2025

Start Date: August 5th, 2025

Each month includes:

• At least one in-person Saturday session in Philadelphia
• One remote weekday session via Zoom

Participants who complete the Institute will become part of the Philadelphia Writing Project and National Writing Project Networks. They will also receive:

• 6 CE Credits
• Penn GSE Certificate in Inquiry-Based Writing Pedagogies

Credits

Participants will receive 6 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 180 ACT 48 credits.

Cost

$1950.00
School District of Philadelphia teachers are eligible for a full scholarship.

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

We ask all participants to submit the following materials:

1. Contact information
2. School and professional information
3. A letter of support from your principal
4. A personal statement

The letter of support from your principal is an important part of your application. It helps us understand how your participation in IPI aligns with your school's goals and how your principal envisions supporting your continued professional learning. This letter doesn't need to be long—it simply needs to affirm your principal's support for your time in the program, including your participation in both in-person and virtual sessions, and their openness to you bringing your learning back to your school community. Principals may also wish to include reflections on your leadership, collaboration, and impact as an educator. We recognize that teachers' capacity to grow and share their learning is deeply connected to the support they receive from their school communities. This letter helps us ensure that participants are positioned to benefit from—and contribute meaningfully to—the collaborative spirit of IPI.

The personal statement offers an opportunity to share your perspectives on teaching and learning—particularly how writing fits into your vision of lifelong learning. We encourage you to reflect on the role writing plays in your own practice and growth, and to describe aspects of your teaching that you're interested in exploring further. You might also consider what experiences or approaches you'd be excited to share in conversation with other educators.

Please note that the personal statement should be no more than 3000 characters, and the Principal's letter should be no more than 5000 characters.

Instructors

• Willeena Booker
• Jen Freed
• Dr. Jen McLaughlin Cahill
• Amanda Schear

Questions?

Do you have questions about our the program? We're here to help!
Email Kemba Howard, Administrative Coordinator
kehoward@upenn.edu