Educators attend Northern Plains Writing Project Institutes at MSU

The Northern Plains Writing Project Institutes at Minot State University started July 7 and culminated July 31 after teachers presented their writing lessons at the North Dakota Council of Teachers of English annual conference in Mandan. 

NPWP, however, began with a Pre-Institute meeting May 28 and another June 7 for Minot area teachers.  Beside all the writing and teaching they have done, participating teachers also read and discussed “Teaching for Joy and Justice” by Linda Christensen and “Reading in the Wild” by Donalyn Miller. 

“We had 11 teachers this year,” said Ron Fischer, English associate professor and NPWP director. “One came from Indiana to be a full-time graduate student in the Master of Education program. Others were from Surrey, Garrison, Mohall, Ray and Williston. It was a nice mix too. We had high school teachers, middle school teachers and elementary teachers, which meant things got really fun. We had some really creative teachers this year. I loved learning from them.” 

Fischer has facilitated the Summer Institute since 2006 and became NPWP director in 2009. 

“KiMar Gartman, who just graduated with a Master of Education from MSU co-facilitated with me,” Fischer said. “She attended the NPWP Institutes for the last two summers. She really did a wonderful thesis that looked at the needs of international students who have come to Minot. Now, here she is facilitating the Advanced Institute!” 

Those who attended NPWP have a chance to travel to Washington D.C. in November to attend the National Council of Teachers of English Convention. NPWP’s purpose is to help strengthen what the state’s K-12 teachers do in their classrooms.  

 “NPWP really can change how someone teaches, but the national conferences really give them a sense of how wonderful this profession is.” 

For further information, contact Fischer at 858-3174 or ron.fischer@minotstateu.edu.

 

 

 

 

 

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Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.

Published: 07/29/14   


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