Testimonials
SCWP 2003
“I came in unsure, shy, reserved and with a lack of confidence. As I leave I’m so very proud of my work. I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge and found value and an appreciation for writing. (A clearer picture of language, communication, connections to other subject areas, importance of thinking critically, etc.)”
“I wanted to be challenged to improve as a writer. I wanted to be forced to produce—I needed that! (I didn’t want “fluff” and I didn’t get it!) The workshop was even more than what I had hoped for—I really enjoyed the reading and discussion components with a group and a director who cares about our profession and our personal growth.”
“I most appreciated the other educators. Their wisdom, experiences, and ideas are priceless to me. I loved the conversations on writing and teaching.”
SCWP 2004
“I seem to have undergone some kind of transforming experience. The writing I composed during the institute helped develop my sense of being a writer. Although I have considered writing an important part of my life, I see now that not only is writing important to me, it is vital for my growth – personally and professionally. I remained skeptical of my talent as a writer prior to the Writing Project, although many friends and colleagues insist that I am a competent writer. After participating in the project, I am more confident in my writing talent. As a writer, I need the discipline of deadlines to invest time into crafting and revising my writing in order to explore and express my thoughts well.”
“The Writing Project exceeded my expectations in that I was once again the student, but not the undergraduate student. My input was valued by all of the participants and this has been the most encouraging [time] I’ve spent learning since I started teaching eight years ago. I was a writer engaged in the craft of writing for an audience that would consider what I had to say.”
“The intellectual energy was amazing…This type of peer group would be difficult to reconstruct anywhere else.”
“I really enjoyed the exposure to various pedagogies and methodologies through the readings – as well as through my peers. My eyes have been opened to practices of the past and present - and I feel better equipped as an instructor that I might learn from others’ successes and failures.”
SCWP 2005
“Initially, I was apprehensive about the Southern Colorado Writing Project. I am a music teacher and did not incorporate a lot of writing into my classroom last year. Meeting all of these wonderful teachers showed me that writing is a great tool for any discipline and built up my self-esteem as a writer. This project was a life-altering experience for me and every teacher and administrator should experience this not only for themselves, but also for their students.”
“SCWP is much more than can be described; it must be experienced. The expertise of Director Dr. Katherine Frank and the wit and wisdom of all participants makes it one of the most enjoyable and informative processes I have experienced. The confidence building and camaraderie helped me through the interviewing process for a new teaching position. The friendships created during the month of June 2005 will last a lifetime. Thank you for this opportunity.”
“Through the SCWP, I have become a writer again. The last time I took my own writing this seriously was when I wrote a master's thesis 19 years ago. I am more proud than ever to be a teacher after spending four weeks with other teachers, all of whom are like-minded inquirers and fellow writers I have come to greatly admire and respect. The SCWP has been a tremendous growth experience for me, and I couldn't have spent 40% of my summer vacation in any better way than this.”
SCWP 2006
“The SCWP has been a great experience for me as a teacher of writing. I have learned so many new techniques and ideas, and I am so inspired for the upcoming school year. Even though I felt like I was already a creative teacher for my students, this experience has opened my eyes to the creativity of other teachers in different content areas and levels. I highly recommend the Southern Colorado Writing Project for anyone who wants to bring out their own creativity and foster relationships with other teachers around the districts. This class has begun a process for me that I hope to never stop: learning and writing on a continual basis.”
“After such a busy year, I was looking forward to summer break. Thinking about the Southern Colorado Writing Project Summer Institute and the time commitment, there was an internal debate going on in my mind: “Why did I commit to this? Yes, I wanted to stretch myself but stress myself even more began to be a concern.” Nearing the end, I have to say that I am thoroughly glad that I have been a part of it. I was able to interact with a stimulating group of people sharing good discussions on the importance of more writing personally and in the classroom. I was exposed to many “great” teaching strategies by colleagues whom I respect. I found this stretching quite valuable.”
SCWP 2007
“I had so much fun writing for myself and sharing the fun with others who came to do the same thing! The SI passed so quickly that I feel like I’ve not heard enough of the extraordinary works my colleagues are creating, nor have I collected all of the great ideas they have for me to take back to my classroom. I feel so greedy, but I want this to go on so I can keep on learning how creative we all can be!”
“My experience during just the first week of the SI made me realize that how I write and how I teach writing would never be the same again. I went home at the end of the first week unable to put the experience into words. I was amazed, but at the same time curious how I would change at the end of four weeks. I can honestly say that I will never have an experience quite like the SI. Being the lone elementary teacher in the group, I learned a lot about the struggles of the high school/college bunch. I was able to relate to their challenges and triumphs, and they learned from what I had to contribute about the teaching and writing of younger students. The four weeks flew by; I wish we had one more week to dedicate to our writing.”