Lowcountry Teachers do the 'write' thing

The Lowcountry Writing Project is one of those "behind the scenes" organizations in our city that makes living in Charleston a more enriching experience. Originally started thirty years ago in San Francisco as the National Writing Project, the idea of "teachers teaching teachers" spread through out the nation to more than 200 sites, including our local LWP, directed by Thomas Thompson of the Citadel.

"The organization has been in the Lowcountry since the 1980s," says Thompson. "It has always been physically located at the Citadel, but has not always been directed here. "

Thompson took the position of director in the late 90's and dedicates himself to helping Lowcountry area teachers flourish within the program. "We improve students by improving the way that teachers teach," he explains. "Because we expect our students to read and write well, we must do it ourselves."

The LWP scouts out the best teachers in the area and trains them, via a special four-week program in the summer. "We try to get the word out to teachers about the program," says Thompson. "We advertise in school district bulletins, we go to conferences--and sometimes teachers will find our branch after moving here from another place that has the program."

The Invitational Summer Institute is the "core program," and it helps outstanding teachers learn to instruct other teachers. After an application and

interview process, teachers go through rigorous training for four weeks, and emerge the program better able to share knowledge with their colleagues.

"It's very practical," says Thompson. "This is real life stuff, very hands-on. It's all about learning what you can use in the classroom, to improve the experience for everyone."

And the program is not limited to Language Arts teachers; according to Thompson they have had every discipline, including math, science and home economics. In fact, a recent conference dealt with using math and writing together.

Of course, the training doesn't just end with the core summer session. There are plenty of "continuity programs" available for further enrichment. The classes are designed to help teachers continue their own post-graduate education, (and earn credit hours) with courses such as Professional Writing, Writing Children's Books, and Writing Short Fiction. In addition there are "Study Groups," which are small groups of teachers who meet regularly to discuss a certain book. (The groups themselves decide on the material.) Although the programs are open to anyone who applies to take them, they are mainly focused on teachers of K-12. The Web site of the LWP keeps teachers up to date on the courses offered, plus future plans and activities.

"We really respect the knowledge of teachers," says Thompson. "We have a lot of exceptional educators in this area. And if we can just get them to share ideas and to motivate each other, everyone will be better off as a result."