Morehead Writing Project Site Director Dr. Deanna Mascle and Online Summer Institute Coordinator LIz Prather led the Morehead Writing Project’s 2019 Online Summer Institute for a small cohort of Morehead State University graduate students and educators interested in professional development credit.
The OSI was held during MSU’s Summer I in 2019 and will be offered again in 2020 although the dates have not yet been chosen. Complete this online form to receive information about the 2020 Online Summer Institute offered by the Morehead Writing Project as it becomes available.
Dianna Putorek, an English instructor at New River Community and Technical College in West Virginia, noted that the OSI gave her more confidence as a writer and as a writing teacher in addition to inspiring her to incorporate more technology into her classes: “I have so many ideas that I want to incorporate, and I can’t wait to see the results. It’s because of the Morehead Writing Project that I have the tools I need to change my teaching, but more importantly, I have the confidence to do it, as well.”
Carrie Joyce, an English teacher at Dickson County High School in Tennessee, reflected that the OSI reminded her what drew her to become an English teacher. “I have so many takeaways that it is difficult to know where to begin. This course has changed the way I plan to teach writing.”
Whitney Harris intends to become an elementary literacy specialist observed: “This class has changed my attitude toward writing. I have actually found writing to be therapeutic. I discovered that I do have things to say and ideas to express. I am very grateful for that. I also have learned many new ideas and practices from my fellow classmates. These are things I will use in my classroom.”
Rebecca Prather is a techical writer and training instructor in Lexington, KY, said that she grew as a writer thanks to her OSI experience.
Wayne Osborne is an art teacher at Shelby Valley High School in Pike County described the OSI as a revelation: “I learned something new about myself and why I teach and how I can teach better. This class was a revelation.” He urges all educators to participate and further noted it was refreshing to be treated as professionals.
Nichole Caskey, a history teacher at Harrison County High School, reflected that while she was very apprehensive about the OSI at the beginning she found it a wonderful experience: “Overall, this class has made me a better writer and has helped me to make reading and writing more meaningful for my students.”
Kathryn Goode teaches English at Taylor County High School also found the OSI experience meaningful: “During this course, I’ve remembered what it is about teaching writing that I love. I look forward to greeting my composition kids next year with new energy.”
Suzan Sanders, a literacy leader at Old Kentucky Home Middle School in Nelson County, also felt revitalized by the OSI: “my head is swirling with new ideas.”
Rebecca Prather, a technical writer and trainer for Tempur Sealy, noted that the OSI helped her grow as a writer.