TAMIU Hosts SWTP Writing Conference Saturday, Oct. 6

Texas A&M International University will be hosting its annual South Texas Writing Project (STWP) Fall Conference on Saturday, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This year’s Conference will focus on “Real Writing in the Midst of TAKS.”  There will be a series of demonstration lessons presented which offer effective strategies to follow when teaching writing in various subjects and grade levels.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Sheridan Blau, former president of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), director of the South Coast Writing Project and author of many books related to reading and writing.

“Composing a Reading: Helping Students Read Difficult Texts,” is Blau’s two-hour workshop aimed to provide helpful tips for teaching reading while integrating writing across the different age groups. These workshops focus on improving students writing as well as TAKS performance. The session will cover topics such as pre-writing, journal writing, the multi-genre research paper, creative summarizing, reflective writing, and vertical integration of writing instruction.

Teachers who attend the Conference will earn six credit hours of professional development. Tuesday, Oct. 2 is the last day for pre-registration. On-site registration and breakfast will be available from 7:45 a.m. the day of the Conference. Pre-registration is $65; on-site is $75, and TAMIU and LCC students with an ID can attend for $10. Purchase orders are a welcome form of payment.

For more information, please contact Dr. Ellen Barker, STWP director, at 956.326.2473 or by e-mail at ebarker@tamiu.edu

You may also contact Daniela Rodriguez at 956.337.1586 or by e-mail at danielarodriguez@tamiu.edu

University office hours are from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu