NCWP Invitational Summer Institute 

This summer (2022), we are offering our Summer Institute (SI) in a new, extended format to allow for deeper engagement and community support as we navigate exciting and challenging ideas together. This extended institute experience is open to educators across grade levels (from kindergarten to college) and disciplines. First, we’ll host a Summer Institute Intensive that takes place in person July 25-27 in Sacramento (lodging provided). Monthly follow-up meetings via Zoom through December will give us time to work with the ideas and texts introduced over the summer. Educators receive a $1000 stipend for their participation in the summer intensive, and another $1000 upon completing the follow-up sessions. Teachers can also purchase 1-3 professional development units.

Who should apply?

Any teacher (k-college) who wants to think about the teaching of writing with other educators in our service area. Educators who are ready to engage in conversations about equity, anti racist approaches to course design, and ways to create dynamic communities in education. Teachers should come from a variety of disciplines–math to social studies–as we believe that language is a part of every area of study. Our goal is to connect rural teachers in our network at the beginning of what we hope is a long career in education by offering ongoing support, resources, and meaningful professional inquiry.

What will we do?

At the center of our beliefs about professional development is that teachers are the best teachers of other teachers. For this reason, teachers in our Summer Institute Intensive and follow-up sessions read new professional texts, write together, share problems of practice, and create the kinds of support they want as educators. 

This year, our core texts are Linguistic Justice by Dr. April Baker-Bell and Holding Change by adrienne maree brown. Alongside these books, grade-level specific texts and resources will act as both lens and anchor to our ongoing conversations and imaginations around our teaching.  

Who is facilitating?

The team of facilitators cover a range of grade levels and contexts: Anthony Miranda is a 7th grade English teacher at Sierra Vista K-8 in Vacaville; Kyra Mello, co-director of the NCWP, teaches at Yuba Community College and is the former Chair of Distance Education; Sarah Pape teaches creative writing at Chico State and is the managing editor for Watershed Review. The team will be joined throughout the institute by other veteran teachers who will facilitate a variety of workshops related to the teaching of writing.

Deadlines, dates and location?

• Friday, March 25th: Applications due. APPLY HERE!
• Pre Institute Orientation 
  • Saturday, April 30th: Pre-Institute Orientation from 9-12:00 via Zoom
• Summer Institute Intensive Retreat: 
  • July 25-27 in Sacramento (lodging provided, details TBA)
• Four fall institute days:
  • Saturday, September 3rd, 9:00-12:00 via Zoom
  • Saturday, October 1st, 9:00-12:00 via Zoom
  • Saturday, November 5th, 9:00-12:00 via Zoom
  • Saturday, December 3rd, 9:00-3:00 pm on Chico State campus (other details to come)

Are there other details I should know?

• Participants will receive a total of $2000 for participating—$1000 for the summer work and SI Intensive Retreat and another $1000 in December
• Professional development units can be purchased (1-3 CSU credits for $60 per unit).
• All materials, including current professional books for participants, are covered by NCWP and will be mailed to teachers’ preferred address.
• We will follow the evolving state-recommended COVID protocols throughout our in-person programming.

Applications are due March 25th! We hope you will join us!

Link to application