Advancing the teaching of writing in our schools and communities. The Southside Virginia Writing Project (SVWP) is part of the expansive National Writing Project (NWP).

Through its annual Summer Institute, Young Author’s Camp, professional development offerings, and writing retreat the SVWP will build a cadre of teacher leaders, with diverse disciplines, across the JK-14 spectrum; and advance the teaching of writing in our rural schools and community.

Weekly Wednesday Writing Group | Zoom

Join a community of writers for support of your summer writing routine and feedback on: Weekly Writing Group

  • Poetry
  • Short stories
  • Novels
  • Academic articles in progress

Join us on Zoom from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. EST when your schedule allows. No RSVP is required.


SVWP Summer Institute

May 13- July 8, 2023

 3 Graduate Credits - undergraduate seniors are eligible

Summer Institute participants are educators and pre-service teachers across the JK-16 spectrum who represent diverse districts and content areas, including 

  • English
  • Science
  • Mathematics
  • Modern Language
  • Health and P.E.
  • History
  • The Arts

During the Institute, you will

  • Write on topics of your interests, careers, and passions
  • Participate in response groups to garner feedback
  • Read and discuss current research in the teaching of writing
  • Share model writing lessons
  • Develop skills and plans for leading professional development

Teaching Fellows to NWP Teaching Consultants

At the end of the Summer Institute, teaching fellows become teaching consultants who will conduct professional development in their home schools and districts. NWP teaching consultants also come together over the year to share writing and professional development ideas.

Recognized as leaders in their field across all 50 states and internationally NWP teaching consultants often become future instructors for the Summer Institute, partnering with one of the Director. 

View, Download, Print the SVWP Summer Institute flyer (pdf).

Cost

Virginia residents $280 per credit 

Non-Virginia residents $355 per credit

Professional Development Points: 90 (suggested)

Hybrid Format

4 Synchronous Zoom Meetings

(If you have a conflict with one of these dates, your professors will attempt to be accommodating)

  • Tuesday: May 16, 9-12
  • Tuesday: May 30, 9-12
  • Tuesday: June 13, 9-12
  • Tuesday: June 27, 9-12

The rest of the classes are asynchronous, inviting you to work at your own pace.

Daily Zoom Office hours whenever you need support.


Meet the Director

Dr. Dorothy Suskind

Vertical of Dorothy Suskind

An Assistant Professor of Elementary and Middle School Education in the Education and Counseling Department of the College of Education, Health and Human Services Dr. Suskind teaches elementary and secondary education courses in literacy.

She has a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia in Curriculum and Instruction from the Reading Program where she specialized in the teaching of writing.