Chapa Middle School teachers Cassandra Chapa, Susannah Wynne, Rebecca Gonzalez and Randy Klima represented Hays CISD in Central Texas Writing Project activities at Texas State University this summer. The program opens its summer Young Writers Camp next week. (Courtesy photo)
by HILLARY LOCKHART
Explosive energy rumbles in the Texas State University Education Department halls as teachers from across Central Texas gathered for 130 hours of professional development, to enhance and strengthen their careers. Hays CISD is strongly represented on the university campus this summer with committed young teachers chosen by the Central Texas Writers Project (CTWP) for their extraordinary professional qualities. They studied under the direction of Dr. Lori Assaf.
The proud Hays CISD participants included Chapa Middle School teachers Rebecca Gonzales, Susannah Wynne, Cassandra Chapa and Randy Klima, along with Simon Middle School’s Hillary Lockhart, who was assisting with the CTWP Summer Institute. Additionally, congratulations were extended to local CTWP teacher consultants, who were recognized and commended for their excellent work performance. Those consultants included Chapa Middle School teacher Joel Johnson, the district’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, and Kristin Seibel, Hemphill Elementary Teacher of the Year.
The Central Texas Writing Project staff is proud to have such exemplary teachers in our program.
The CTWP Summer Institute analyzes reading and writing research, validating existing classroom practices and exploring new, innovative teaching methods and technology. Participants examine English language learners’ needs, special needs, writing across the curriculum, multi-cultural approaches to writing, and social justice implementation through writing. This intense, creative learning process helps teachers prepare their students with 21st century skills.
The CTWP is also sponsoring multiple summer Young Writers Camps at Texas State and its Round Rock satellite site for ages 6-18. The camp goals are to give all young writers, regardless of skill level, the opportunity to compose in a variety of styles, to become more self-confident in their writing ability, and to learn to appreciate the abilities of others. This exciting camp runs Tuesday, July 5-Friday, July 15. Registration is open now and parents are encouraged to register early, as only the first 60 applicants will be accepted. For more information, contact Diane Osborne at [email protected] or 512-245-3680, or visit www.centraltexaswriting project.org.
