Sun Belt Writing Project
Professional Development for Teachers
Department of Curriculum and Teaching
Auburn University
Sun Belt Summer Seminar
The Sun Belt Writing Project promotes the teaching of writing in Alabama schools in all subjects at all grade levls, elementary through college. We believe that as students grow in the knowledge and understanding of the writing process, they grow, too, in the ability to think logically and systematically.
An integrative tool for learning, writing reaches all subject areas. Writing about a subject creates a level of understanding deeper and more permanent than other methods of learning.
The various activities in which the Sun Belt teachers participate demonstrate how classroom teachers can become more effective, creative teachers of writing -- and more sensitive to the needs of their students as writers.
The Summer Institute
Sun Belt Writing Project is a member of the National Writing Project, established in Berkeley, California in 1974. There are now more than 150 sites across the country. The mission statement of the collect projects remains to "help exceptional teachers develop and use their abilities to become, as writing project teacher consultants, leaders in literacy education."
The five-week summer institute meets six hours per day, four days a week, Monday through Thursday. The institute is housed on the campus of Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Participating teachers are involved in a variety of educational activities, including the following:
- Presentations of exemplary techniques in the teaching of writing.
- Intensive study of current rhetorical theory and practice.
- Personal reflection of texts studied.
- Personal writing.
- Publication of a colleciton of writing activities to be used in the classroom.
For participating in the Sun Belt Writing Project, teachers receive ten hours of graduate credit.
Selection of Teachers
Upon application, teachers are invited to interview for selection in that summer's institute. Both experienced and first-year teachers are encouraged to apply. Although most participants are Language Arts teachers, Sun Belt urges teachers of other subject areas to make applications, as one of our most important goals is to demonstrate the use of writing in all subjects.
Application forms and further information may be obtained from the address provided.
Continuing Professional Development
The Sun Belt Writing Project sponsors activities throughout the year designed to enhance the teaching of writing in Alabama schools. These include the following:
- Professional retreats.
- Participation in statewide, regional, and national conferences.
- Young Authors conferences for students.
- Professional workshops in local schools and systems for professional development.
The Sun Belt Writing Project cooperates with the East Alabama Regional Inservice Center to bring these activitities to teachers and schools.
For further information, contact:
Dr. Judith Hayn
The Sun Belt Writing Project
Auburn University
Department of Curriculum and Teaching
5040 Haley Center
Auburn, AL 36849-5212
334-844-6889