Invitational Summer Institute FAQs:
Academic Credit, Payment, and Format
1. Which option should I pursue: the Institute only, Opt for Workshop Credit, or Master's/Doctoral Credit?
Institute Only:
If you do not need academic credit, this is the best option. You will leave the Institute with an abundance of ideas for the classroom to inspire students to think much more deeply about reading and writing.
Opt for Workshop Credit:
Renewing your license but don't see yourself in a master's or doctoral program in the future? Then the Institute plus 3 Graduate Workshop Credits Option may be the best financial option for you. Cost is $900 + $450 = $1,350. Some districts also accept this option to move up the pay scale. Please check with your district to see if it is permissible.
Master's/Doctoral Option:
If you are in a Masters' Program or see yourself in one in the near future, then the Master's graduate credit would be the best option for you. In some districts, this would also be the option that would allow you to move up the pay scale. While most people take the course “Teaching Writing as a Process” in this option, several course options can be made available, including doctoral options.
If you select this option, you need to be enrolled at Kent State University as a degree, non-degree, or guest student to participate.
2. I completed the registration and paid the $900 fee. How do I register for Opt for Credit and pay the $450 workshop credit hours?
If you signed up for the 3 workshop credit hours in addition to Institute, we will send you the registration link from the Office of Professional Development. You will register and pay the $450 for the 3 workshop credit hours through this office.
3. How do I enroll as a guest or non-degree student to earn Master's/Doctoral credit?
Enroll as a non-degree student or guest student through Graduate Studies. You can also call Graduate Studies at 330-672-2661.
4. How do I register for the Master's/Doctoral credit once I am enrolled at Kent State University?
If you are currently a student at Kent State University or enrolled as a non-degree student or guest, register for Master's/Doctoral credit using the following steps:
5. What does a typical day in the Invitational Summer Institute look like?
While every site runs a little differently, they all include the same main components. Here is a typical day:
8:00-8:30 a.m.
Coffee’s on! Even though the day doesn’t begin until 8:30, we start coffee percolating for early arrivals. Many sites also take turns bringing in breakfast - because what is writing without sustenance?
8:30-8:45 a.m.
Grounds for Thought. We start each morning responding to a writing prompt, crafted by the Institute leader, that fits into the genre of writing currently being studied.
8:45-9:00 a.m.
Mining for Gold. Learning to give effective feedback is an important facet of being a writing teacher. Every morning, we look at a different piece of student writing and think through the strengths of the piece and the feedback we would use to grow this student as a writer.
9:00-10:15 a.m.
Lesson Demonstration. Each participant will create and teach a lesson to the other participants in the group around a genre of study. You will never have a more willing audience! This is a time to take risks in your teaching: What have you always wanted to try with your students? Feedback from fellow participants is given.
10:30-10:45 a.m.
Break!
10:45-11:30 a.m.
Study Group. Each site chooses texts for study. With a small group, you will dive into this text, having discussions and creating takeaways for the whole group.
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Lunch!
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Writing/Reading Time. Time is the most valuable commodity in education. Time to read, write and reflect is provided as part of your day.
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Writing Group. During every lesson demonstration, you will write. This group provides a place for your writing to be heard and for you to receive feedback.
3:00 p.m.
Final reflections
Still have questions? Contact Lori Wilfong, director of the Invitational Summer Institute, at [email protected].
Institute Only:
If you do not need academic credit, this is the best option. You will leave the Institute with an abundance of ideas for the classroom to inspire students to think much more deeply about reading and writing.
Opt for Workshop Credit:
Renewing your license but don't see yourself in a master's or doctoral program in the future? Then the Institute plus 3 Graduate Workshop Credits Option may be the best financial option for you. Cost is $900 + $450 = $1,350. Some districts also accept this option to move up the pay scale. Please check with your district to see if it is permissible.
Master's/Doctoral Option:
If you are in a Masters' Program or see yourself in one in the near future, then the Master's graduate credit would be the best option for you. In some districts, this would also be the option that would allow you to move up the pay scale. While most people take the course “Teaching Writing as a Process” in this option, several course options can be made available, including doctoral options.
If you select this option, you need to be enrolled at Kent State University as a degree, non-degree, or guest student to participate.
2. I completed the registration and paid the $900 fee. How do I register for Opt for Credit and pay the $450 workshop credit hours?
If you signed up for the 3 workshop credit hours in addition to Institute, we will send you the registration link from the Office of Professional Development. You will register and pay the $450 for the 3 workshop credit hours through this office.
3. How do I enroll as a guest or non-degree student to earn Master's/Doctoral credit?
Enroll as a non-degree student or guest student through Graduate Studies. You can also call Graduate Studies at 330-672-2661.
- Participants can take up to six credits as a guest. Complete the online application at the above site and designate that you want to be a guest; or
- Participants can also apply to be a non-degree student. To do this, you will be required to submit paperwork such as transcripts.
4. How do I register for the Master's/Doctoral credit once I am enrolled at Kent State University?
If you are currently a student at Kent State University or enrolled as a non-degree student or guest, register for Master's/Doctoral credit using the following steps:
- Once you receive notification that you are enrolled, call or email Shannon Stewart at 330-672 0650 or [email protected].
- Shannon will be able to see on her files that you are enrolled and can then register you for the class.
- Once Shannon informs you that you are registered for the class, you will then need to pay through the Bursar's Office. There will be a deadline for payment which Shannon can give you. It varies depending on when the class begins and when Shannon registers you.
5. What does a typical day in the Invitational Summer Institute look like?
While every site runs a little differently, they all include the same main components. Here is a typical day:
8:00-8:30 a.m.
Coffee’s on! Even though the day doesn’t begin until 8:30, we start coffee percolating for early arrivals. Many sites also take turns bringing in breakfast - because what is writing without sustenance?
8:30-8:45 a.m.
Grounds for Thought. We start each morning responding to a writing prompt, crafted by the Institute leader, that fits into the genre of writing currently being studied.
8:45-9:00 a.m.
Mining for Gold. Learning to give effective feedback is an important facet of being a writing teacher. Every morning, we look at a different piece of student writing and think through the strengths of the piece and the feedback we would use to grow this student as a writer.
9:00-10:15 a.m.
Lesson Demonstration. Each participant will create and teach a lesson to the other participants in the group around a genre of study. You will never have a more willing audience! This is a time to take risks in your teaching: What have you always wanted to try with your students? Feedback from fellow participants is given.
10:30-10:45 a.m.
Break!
10:45-11:30 a.m.
Study Group. Each site chooses texts for study. With a small group, you will dive into this text, having discussions and creating takeaways for the whole group.
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Lunch!
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Writing/Reading Time. Time is the most valuable commodity in education. Time to read, write and reflect is provided as part of your day.
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Writing Group. During every lesson demonstration, you will write. This group provides a place for your writing to be heard and for you to receive feedback.
3:00 p.m.
Final reflections
Still have questions? Contact Lori Wilfong, director of the Invitational Summer Institute, at [email protected].
