The Chippewa River Writing Project (CRWP), as a site of the National Writing Project (NWP) at Central Michigan University, will further the mission of both organizations by improving the teaching and learning of writing in Michigan’s schools and local communities. CMU faculty and local teachers involved in the CRWP will focus outreach activities in mid- and northern Michigan that support the teaching and learning of writing.

Since our founding in 2009, we have developed relationships with teachers and schools that will support quality writing instruction and, in turn, will better prepare our students for college, work, and community service. Specific opportunities vary based on faculty and teacher interests and the site’s capacity, yet we strive to strengthen CMU’s Public Engagement and External Partnerships efforts; invite local teachers – many of whom are CMU alumni – back for graduate course work, compete for additional grant and foundation monies; and increase CMU presence in local, state, and national conversations about the teaching of English language arts.

The CRWP believes in

• Teachers teaching teachers: Our best learning happens when we learn from each other.
• Continuous learning: Teachers want to keep learning.
• Nurturing our writing lives: Teachers of writing need time and space to practice writing for themselves and others.
• Collaboration and connection: We are better together.
• Advocacy: Teachers are experts and should be encouraged to advocate for effective and authentic practices in the classroom.
• Going public with our practices: Teachers grow in their expertise when they share their practices with others in small spaces or in large conferences.

Teachers are at the center of CRWP’s work.

The CRWP

• Supports teachers in writing and leadership institutes remotely, on the campus of CMU, and at the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island.
• Delivers professional development in local school districts.
• Facilitates continual learning for teachers through book clubs, writing groups, and continuity events.
• Mentors teachers to present at local, state, and national conferences.
• Advocates for authentic and effective writing instruction in our schools.
• Features teachers as writers on the CRWP Blog, in print and online articles, and in submissions to peer-reviewed journals.

Contact CRWP Director Troy Hicks to learn more.