Isn’t it time you did something for yourself—both personally and professionally? If you are accepted as a Fellow in the Invitational Summer Institute of the CSUN Writing Project, that is what happens! We seek a diverse group—teachers and administrators, K-college in all content areas—of no more than 12 participants interested in writing and teaching writing. Perhaps YOU could be selected as one of that group! 
The 2025 Invitational Summer Institute will be held from June 23 to July 11
Sessions are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
June 23, 24 and July 11 in-person, all other dates virtual. No meeting July 4.
Group Interview: Saturday, April 5, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (virtual)
Orientation: Saturday, May 31, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (in-person)
Follow-up Meeting: Saturday, September 13, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (in-person)
There is no fee for the Institute, and a fellowship covers the cost. For more information, click here.
How to Apply
Complete the application form by clicking here. Include also a personal statement. Your personal statement should address:
Describe how you use/teach writing. Discuss a writing instruction issue with which you struggle, your thinking about the issue, and how you are addressing it. (2-3 pages)
Describe yourself as a writer: i.e., your experiences, your joys, your hesitations, and what you hope to gain from the Invitational Summer Institute. (1 page)
Downloadable directions are here.
APPLICATION DUE APRIL 19, 2025. To apply, click here.
Invitational Summer Institute Highlights and CSUN Writing Project Affiliation Benefits
The Invitational Summer Institute offers a transformative experience for educators. Participants begin with an orientation, followed by five days a week of collaboration for three weeks, culminating in a follow-up meeting in the Fall. Throughout this process, educators engage in writing, sharing teaching practices, and discussing writing instruction.
Key features include:
- No Charge: The Institute is free to attend, with the option to purchase 3 or 6 CEUs from Tseng College. Master's students at Northridge can also use the Summer Institute for independent study (3 units) with a Director.
- Teacher Consultant Opportunities: Upon completion, participants become Teacher Consultants, joining a nationwide network of over 200 Writing Project sites.
- Continued Development: In their first year as Teacher Consultants, participants can access additional professional development at no cost, including Open Institutes, Visioning Retreats, and writing groups.
- National and State Affiliations: Affiliated with the National Writing Project and California Writing Project, Teacher Consultants have opportunities for professional experiences and funded travel to conferences, including workshops at the Library of Congress and National Writing Project events.
- Professional Learning: Selected Teacher Consultants can secure paid positions in Young Writers Camps or as facilitators in in-service activities.
The Summer Institute serves as the foundation for developing a robust community of Teacher Consultants. It unites dedicated educators from Pre-K to university levels across all subjects, focused on enhancing student learning through effective writing instruction.
Core Beliefs:
- Teachers as Writers: Effective writing teachers must experience writing themselves. Participants will have ample time to write across various genres and share their work with peers, equipping them to support their students’ growth as writers.
- Teachers Teaching Teachers: This principle underscores the Summer Institute, where participants will develop and present model lessons based on their successful classroom experiences, enriching their instructional practices.
- Theory-Driven Practice: Participants will explore effective writing teaching practices through shared readings and discussions, enhancing their understanding and sparking new ideas.
- Teacher Inquiry: Central to professional growth, the Institute emphasizes the power of teacher inquiry to improve student learning in diverse classrooms.
Join us at the Invitational Summer Institute to elevate your teaching and become part of a supportive community committed to writing excellence!
