Every National Writing Project (NWP) site—including Prairie Lands Writing Project—offers experienced teachers the opportunity to apply and participate in an annual summer Invitational Institute. The Invitational Summer Institute is the cornerstone of the National Writing Project’s teachers-teaching teachers professional development model. These Teacher Scholars prepare for leadership roles by demonstrating their most effective practices, studying research, and improving their knowledge of writing by writing themselves.

Upon successful completion of the Invitational Institute, participants receive NWP Teacher Consultant certification—becoming NWP and PLWP Teacher consultants—and put their knowledge and leadership to work to improve student achievement. They also earn graduate credit through MWSU (currently 6 credit hours).

To apply for one of the 16 spots in each Summer Institute, applicants should review the dates and times in the flyer below, then submit the completed application with a current resume to PLWP Director Dr. Susan Martens at smartens@missouriwestern.edu.

All educators in all content areas and grade levels are welcome to apply.

NEW: Tuition scholarships toward six graduate credit hours at MWSU are now available for up to 16 area educators (worth $2500)

NEW: Summer Institute 2025 will be a hybrid course, combining online sessions with 1-2 meetings each week on the MWSU campus, June 23-July 17. Click on the flyer below for details.