The anchor to NWP programming is the Invitational Summer Institute, a four-week graduate course that allows experienced teachers to explore their own writing and instructional practices. Summer Institute participants typically discover that joining a community of writers is a powerful incentive, one that inspires risk-taking and writing that matters.
 
During the opening two weeks of the Summer Institute, participants engage in a “teachers as writers” component that allows them to write not only for the purposes of self-understanding but also for insight into what writers need. Mornings are devoted to reading, discussions, and workshop sessions that support the development of a single evocative piece in any genre of the writer’s choosing. Afternoons are devoted to writing and revision.
 
During the final two weeks of the Summer Institute, participants engage in a “teachers as consultants” component that allows them to prepare individual demonstrations based on best practices they already employ in their classrooms.
 
Upon completion of the course, participants are recognized as Teacher Consultants. Teacher Consultants are encouraged to take part in our site’s ongoing continuity activities that include mentoring, writing groups,writing retreats, study groups, electronic conversations, receptions, and presenting at our partner schools and the Midwinter Writing Conference.
 
This course can be taken for one, three, or six credits. All participants will be responsible for the same work regardless of number of credits taken. The lesser credit options are designed to provide teachers who do not receive tuition reimbursement the opportunity to attend.