Summer Invitational Leadership Institute

The Summer Institute is a key component of the National Writing Project. This program, which has evolved from the model initiated by Jim Gray in 1974, provides productive professional development in the teaching of writing based on the premise that "successful teachers make the best teachers of other teachers." Diversity, relevance, and access are the guiding principles of The Greater Kansas Writing Project's Summer Invitational.  

The Summer Institute is for teachers of all grade levels, preK-College, and from all disciplines, including science, special education, math, CTE. 

Complete the Online Application

Know an outstanding educator whom you'd like to nominate? All nominees receive special recognition -- a great way to celebrate the work they do. 

The Summer Invitational is designed to be a transformational educational experience. 

Participants will grow as writers, teachers, and leaders who become part of a supportive local and national community of professionals. 

The Summer Institute is a collaborative three-week workshop in which participants reflect on their teaching practice, gain access to new teaching strategies, and explore current research. Participants engage in writing activities that encourage understanding of current social issues and invite teachers to recognize their role as leaders effecting change. 

Participants create teacher-initiated inquiry workshops in order to confront their challenging questions and transform their classroom practice. 

In this era of increased pressure on educators to test and perform to a set of imposed standards, the Summer Invitational provides an opportunity to experience the autonomy, respect, and true collegiality often missing in the professional development programs. It provides an environment that allows educators to challenge themselves as writers, teachers, thinkers, and citizens, and to grow as a result.