The University of Southern Mississippi

The South Mississippi Writing Project (SMWP) is a network of kindergarten through college level teachers who are interested in improving the teaching of writing and improving learning in area schools. SMWP is a professional development organization offering programs developed by experienced teachers who demonstrate knowledge and skill in translating the state curriculum framework into effective classroom practice. SMWP teachers participate in ongoing professional study and collaboration to support each other as inservice leaders.

Located on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi, SMWP is one of over 200 National Writing Project sites in the nation and one of seven sites in the state supported by the Mississippi Writing-Thinking Institute and the Mississippi Department of Education.

The South Mississippi Writing Project offers several types of program:

Summer Institute: The centerpiece of SMWP work with teachers, the Invitational Summer Institute is held each June to develop teacher expertise and leadership in writing pedagogy and to introduce teachers to the culture of writing project work.

Inservice: SMWP offers open programs on the university campus as well as school-based programs adapted to specific faculty and student needs. Inservice work is designed in multi-session series and is participatory and interactive.

Continuity Programs: advanced institutes, study groups and other programs designed to support SMWP Teacher-Consultants continued study of instructional practice and professional development leadership.

Community Programs: The South Mississippi Writing Project offers a variety of Young Writers summer camps for students and seeks opportunities to support interest in writing in other significant ways.

The South Mississippi Writing Project is one of over 200 National Writing Project sites and one of seven state sites affiliated with the Mississippi Writing/Thinking Institute.


National Writing Project	Mississippi Writing/Thinking Institute