Past Participants on the Summer Institute

This is the first experience of this type where community made such an impact in an educational setting.

Dorothy Hurlburt, 1997

Writing will be the vehicle which I will use to release my captive soul. It will be the window I not only see out of but also allow others to peek into.

Joyce Jamerson, 2000

No longer will my students have meaningless writing. No longer will they be writing by themselves as I sit on the side and watch. No longer will I treat their written work as nothing more than an assignment. Instead, my classroom will be filled with writers. Writers discussing and sharing their writing. Writers conferencing with one another. Writers publishing work that they are proud of. Writers proud of what they have written. Writers aching with caring.

Linda Reynolds, 2000

In the tranquil hush a quiet pool of thought is stirred.

Paulette Bannec, 2000

I danced with innovative, exhilerating, and inspiring knowledge of writer's workshop. I mingled with writing authorities such as Donald Graves, Lucy Calkins, and Nancy Atwell through my inquiries. I met new acquaintances who read, responded, shared, dined, laughed, and developed together as writers. We bared our souls as we set free the spirit of wondrous words from within us.

Joyce Jamerson, 2000

How could I think of teaching writing without being a writer myself? Talking with writers, writing myself, conferencing about my writing, and learning that revising my writing is part of the writing process has helped me understand that writing is hard work; it takes time and commitment. Writing isn't easy for anyone; even authors find writing to be difficult!

Lauren Ewing, 2000

Many things have helped this summer; however, if I had to narrow it down to just one thing I would say the opportunity to write has been the most helpful. I am a firm believer in the theory that if you want to become good at something you must practice. Thus, the chance to practice writing was helpful to me. It helped me grow more confident as a writer, but also as a teacher of writing who will share his work with his students.

Derrick Jamerson, 2000

Teachers of writing, fragile as seedling plants, need their own kind of Miracle-Gro.

Janet Teisort, 2000

So I shall go forth to sew together the patches of language that I want to be part of my voice quilt, and help my students piece together their quilts.

Lee Adrianson, 2000

I can't remember being in a safer environment to discuss, think out loud, and pretty much be yourself. It's stimulating and refreshing! (liberating) There aren't many places where one can be oneself and still be liked.

Lori Brehm, 1997

I feel so energized by ideas.

Joyce Winchester, 1997

There is no doubt that I came into this writing experience with quite a "not so sure" feeling. I wasn't positive what the overall spirit of the workshop would be...the traditional ideas versus the more innovative and even radical positions on teaching writing, grammar and anything else. I have discovered that I already had begun to employ some of the philosophies and techniques of the IWP in my classes unaware that I was on similar ground. When it became apparent that there would not be a real clash here, I decided that I wanted to learn more. And, so I have.

Laretta Shumate, 1997