January 22, 2011 – West Tennessee Writing Project:  “8th and 11th Grade Writing Assessment”

Interactive teaching demonstrations in which participants engage in writing activities they could use in their classrooms to better prepare students for the 8th grade and 11th grade writing assessments.  All presentation leaders are Teacher Consultants of the West Tennessee Writing Project and have completed the four-week WTWP Summer Institute at
the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Cost: $10
Audience: Anyone interested in learning more about students scoring higher on the TCAP writing assessments
Credit:  To be determined
Time:  9 – 11 a.m.
Location:  PDC

For information on the credit available, please inquire through Janie Austin at the PDC:
jpaustin@k12tn.net.

West Tennessee Writing Project

New Field Notes Edition!

Field Notes, begun under former director Margrethe Ahlschwede, is the official newsletter of the West Tennessee Writing Project.  After a brief absence, Field Notes has returned under the guidance of current director David Carithers.  The mission of Field Notes is to keep teacher consultants, principals, and school districts abreast of the activities taking place within and being offered by the West Tennessee Writing Project.  It serves as a tool for recruitment for WTWP sponsored events as principals and school districts are made aware of a variety of offerings such as the summer institute, teacher workshops, and activities for young writers.  Field Notes also keeps teacher consultants up to date on the workings of WTWP as well as providing opportunities for continuity such as the annual Writing on Water writing retreat.  The first issue of the new Field Notes was published in the fall of 2009 and contained a letter from the director, articles on the Young Writers’ Clubhouse, the newly initiated inservice coordinators, and submissions by two 2009 summer institute participants.  It also issued a call for those interested in helping to develop additional continuity opportunities as well as a call for submissions for additional editions of Field Notes.  One of the goals of the publication is to include articles and stories written by teacher consultants with a focus on teaching stories and/or practices.  Anyone wishing to submit to Field Notes may direct submissions to Nancy Warden at nancymariewarden@hotmail.com.

Young Writers in Ripley

The Dyersburg State Gazette published a great article about the Halloween Young Writers’ Clubhouse at UTM-Ripley Center.  The students were so enthusiastic they didn’t want to leave!

Professional Development

Harvey Daniels visit to the WTWP in 2004.

WTWP Teacher Consultants

Teacher of the Year

Brittan Sutherland, Martin Elementary School Teacher of the Year 2007-2008.

Becky Hasselle, Dyersburg City Schools Teacher of the Year 2007-2008.

National Writing Project

Washington Post article about the National Writing Project and its work with a new generation of teacher:  Writing program rewrites teachers’ approach to the craft

Brrrr, it’s chilly outside, but not to cold too start thinking about the West Tennessee Writing Project Summer Institute.  The Summer Institute 2011 brochure is ready to read, download and share with other teachers who might be interested in becoming  Teacher consultants.  It’s time to apply!