Kibler, Conn represent MSU at National Writing Project

MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University professors Robert Kibler (Humanities) and Dan Conn (Education) will travel to the National Writing Project’s Spring Convention to represent the Red River Writing Project and the Northern Plains Writing Project March 15-17 in Washington, D.C.

Along with convention events, the duo will meet with North Dakota Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) on Thursday.

“We are hoping to help build federal funding for the Northern Plains Writing Project and the Red River Writing Project along with the funding received from Bismarck,” Kibler said. “We want to meet and brainstorm with our congressional delegation to help make sure we continue funding at the federal level. It will be exciting to be in D.C. to see the way politics move and shake.”

The Northern Plains Writing Project is a multi-funded program, housed at Minot State, and is a partnership with state and federal entities. The Red River Writing Project is housed at NDSU. Both projects work to help students continue their education. The Projects primarily work with teachers across the state, organizing cohorts and Summer Institutes, along the model of Teachers Teaching Teachers.

“We have had students in the MED (Masters of Education) go through the Northern Plains Writing system and there is great carryover in the classroom,” Conn said. “We want to make sure those traditions go forward and I’m excited to work with Robert to help ensure those projects continue as they have an impact on education.”

“The best people to teach teachers are teachers,” Kibler added. “There are always new approaches to what they do.”

The two are a part of 170 project sites working across the nation. The Northern Plains Writing Project was started at Minot State by long-time MSU English professor Harold Nelson in 1978. Kibler is currently the project’s interim director.

“We’ve had a 50-year history with the Northern Plains Writing Project,” Kibler said. “Presidents and senators have all changed, but the North Plains Writing Project has remained. We have a good, long heritage and want to continue it. Not only does it help English teachers in the region, but it really affects students in our region.”

About Minot State University
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: 03/12/18   


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