Meet the 2010 IWP Teacher Consultants

Meet the new 2010 Indiana Writing Project Teacher Consultants. Learn about each Summer Institute fellow by reading their reflections on the SI experience, and checking out their project boards.

Leigh Bivens

"The fellowship and learning with other professionals at ISI has caused me to question my own philosophy of teaching writing and in turn will impact my classroom as I implement the best practices found in Writer's Workshop."

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Lindsey Cary

"The Invitational Summer Institute was a life-changing experience. Instead of being someone who writes, I became a writer! I can't wait to implement Writing Workshop in my classes. My students will start to see themselves as writers, too!"

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Rena Dossett

"It has been a very meaningful learning adventure in the Invitational Summer Institute of the Indiana Writing Project. I hope to be able to incorporate the Writer's Workshop philosophy and practice in all my future professional endeavors."

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Jaime Ellis

"Writing workshop was just what I needed. I am excited to go back to the classroom because it has transformed me as a teacher, not just of writing, but of all the subjects. The kids are gonna' love it!"

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Steph Hedge

"It was a much needed reminder that, for all the wisdom I want to impart to my students, it doesn't mean a thing if they're not writing. My students need to just write. And I can't wait to give them the opportunity."

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Amanda Hosier

"The ISI has allowed me to spend quality time discovering how I want to teach writing in my classroom. I am positive, through the research and practice I've done in this class, that Writing Workshop will allow my students to become successful writers."

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Melody Ivey

"This summer with ISI, I have grown as a writer and as a teacher of writing. I think I got the best possible progression in going through Open Institute last summer and ISI this summer. I now have a rock-solid base that will spring me into becoming the ultimate teacher of writers!"

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Mary King

"This summer, I was immersed in the theory and practice of Writing Workshop and now am more convinced than ever that it is the best way to teach writing in our schools."

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Andrew Mishler

"ISI is the best Professional Development I have ever experienced. It has changed my philosophy of education and will significantly improve my curriculum. I have enjoyed working with all the members of the institute, and have gained some wonderful friends. We are the cool group!"

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Karen Neubauer

"Being immersed in the ISI, I see that the workshop format is not just for writers (or those who think of themselves as writers, but for writing. It's only by doing the work of writing in a community that supports it that we become better writers. I'm ready to trust the process and build community with my students."

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Anne Reagan

"ISI has been exciting, engaging, and entertaining. It has challenged me to look differently at myself as a teacher and as a student and pledge for change. I am inspired by the Fellows who have surrounded me this past month. I am grateful and blessed to be a part of it and to share in our growth."

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Jeri Tarvin

"Thank you ISI. Thank you for the shot in the arm I needed to brush off the cobwebs of my brain and challenge my teacher heart. Thank you for the camaraderie and fellowship I have experienced with the most intellectually stimulating group I have ever met. Thank you, ISI."

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Bill Valley

"The Invitational Summer Institute has created a new paradigm shift within me. It culminates by empowering student learning through Writing Workshop. I am equipped with best practices and dear friends to help - I am Write Man."

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Mandie Walker

"The Invitational Summer Institute has reminded me that I am a writer and of the love I have for writing. I am so excited to share my new knowledge and embark on an amazing writing journey with my students!"

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Summer Institute Facilitators:
Tammy Taylor, Linda Valley, and Jane Snider