Kean University Writing Project is a community of teachers working together to improve our craft. Crossing grade levels (K-16) and subject areas, we join with the National Writing Project as "teachers nurturing teachers."
Summer Institute Participants' Reflections and Follow-Up
"Perhaps I held it in too long. Maybe there was too much time between my Master’s degree and any meaningful writing as an overbooked teacher, mother and wife. But the KUWP connected, inspired and embraced my personal and professional goals in writing. Three months later I am more productive than I thought possible.
KUWP’s faculty and participants gave me the opportunity to engage in what I became an English teacher for— the practice and discussion of writing. It is a journey we ask our students to embark on but as teachers have so little time to travel ourselves. Three months later, the knowledge, skills and strategies I learned and reflected upon during this institute are enriching my writing and my writing instruction at Rahway High School. " —Kim Kiefer
"Participating in the KUWP this past summer has been one of the best education classes ever. Observing other experienced teachers demonstrating specific lessons and how they teach has enhanced my skills as a teacher. No matter what content matter we teach, we can always hone our skills in communicating our knowledge to students and to learn to best teach students the process of communicating their understanding. My students have benefited from what I have learned this past summer through KUWP." —Debbie Lee
"My experience in the Institute has been like climbing up the ladder to try the trapeze - with the net below. On our first day, we all acknowledged being afraid. That let me know that together we would be each other's net and as scary as it might be, we could take chances. And that is what we have done, each of us to varying degrees, but we have all taken chances and grown.
I came to this experience excited and I am leaving it excited. To paraphrase Erica and Dr. Seuss, oh, the places I've been and oh, the places I have yet to go. When we began I really didn't know what to expect. The National Writing Project that I'd heard about from my friend in Rhode Island was a wonderful mystery to me and I was excited to finally be a part of it. Of course, then I learned how much work I was in for! My mantra, one day at a time, one assignment at a time, would be how I would proceed.
As participants, by the end of our institute, we all knew ourselves and each other so much better and were opening up even more about our beliefs, feelings, and experiences. It was great hearing about the books, articles, ideas, and people who have influenced us. And I felt great sharing about the acting teachers who have influenced and shaped me and explaining how that all works and connects to living an open and responsive life and teaching in an open and responsive way. I know that I am taking so much more with me than what I had when I came in. Not only all that everyone has shared with me, but also the feeling and belief that I am even more myself than I was before. Thank you all." —Mary Freet Everson