At the heart of the SWGWP, indeed each NWP site, is the invitational summer institute where teachers come together for an intensive, sixteen day seminar that continues over four weeks. The institute is designed to enhance the teaching of writing through:

• the creation of a learning community in which teachers share their best practices for writing,
• an exploration and analysis of writing theory and research,
• engagement in book talks, and
• the creation, sharing, and review of participants' writing.

  Important dates for the 2007 Summer Institute to be held in Columbus, Georgia:

  • Pre-Institute: May 19, 2007, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

  • Summer Institute: June 4 - June 28, 2007, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  • Closing Ceremony: June 28, 2007

       Admission to the institute: Nominees are invited to submit an application. Applications should be submitted very early in 2007 since the institute will be limited to 17 participants. Participants for summer institute may earn professional development units or graduate credit.