CONFERENCE OBJECTIVE
The Third Coast Writing Project at Western Michigan University is proud to host the 2009 National Writing Project Rural Sites Network Conference. Join us in Kalamazoo, Michigan, one of the Midwest's most beautiful and vibrant small cities, along with rural educators from across the country as we explore the guiding ideas of reading, writing, and thinking in today's rural schools.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Friday March 13
Highlights for Friday include the Kalamazoo Writing Marathon and Pre-Conference Events, including a New Teacher Initiative workshop, a migrant education workshop, a Kalamazoo Promise school visit, and a mini-Digital Storytelling Institute. The Friday evening opening banquet includes entertainment from WMU’s world-famous Gold Company II and a talk by noted Michigan historian and author Larry Massie.
Saturday March 14
Saturday highlights include a keynote by Dr. Karen Vocke, a noted expert in migrant education and English language learning, a lunchtime drama and playwriting workshop with Dr. Steve Feffer and Laura Feffer, and three sets of concurrent sessions by writing project teachers and leaders from throughout the United States on writing, literacy, and rural issues in education. The conference closes with a "town hall" meeting focusing on rural issues, teaching, and writing.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Friday Banquet Speaker, March 13
Larry B. Massie shares his passion for his beloved state's heritage through his acclaimed storytelling about strange but true episodes. He has authored 18 popular Michigan history books in which he brings to life the stories of the men and women who helped make Michigan a great state.
Saturday Keynote, March 14
Karen Vocke teaches language, literacy, and pedagogy in theenglish Education program at Western Michigan University. Her recent book "Where Do I Go from Here?" Meeting the Unique Educational Needs of Migrant Students is a practical guide that helps teachers, families, and advocates in work with migrant children.
Saturday Lunch Speakers, March 14
Steve and Laura Feffer bring plays to life with children, teens and professionals. Laura teaches English and drama to at-risk students at Allegan Alternative Hight School. Steve is a prominent playwright and an assistant professor of English at Western Michigan University.
FRIDAY PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS
- Migrant Education in Rural Schools, 1-4 p.m., $25
Join RSN conference keynote Karen Vocke and other rural teachers to focus on key issues as they relate to ELL/migrant families and students in Michigan and beyond. - Digital Storytelling Mini-Institute, 1-4 p.m., $25
The Third Coast WP presents a mini-version of its nationally-prominent Digital Storytelling program. Learn technologies,stories, and teaching ideas to take back to your own sites. - Kalamazoo Promise Event, 1-4 p.m.
Cost and information TBD - Writing Marathon, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE
Yes, there is a Kalamazoo, and it is a haven for the arts, entertainment, writing, and culture. Come explore one of the nation's most vibrant and exciting small city downtowns and all it has to offer for writiers. - New Teacher Initiative Site Development Workshop
Cost and information coming in October.
REGISTRATION
Click here to REGISTER NOW online with a credit card (payment required).
--OR--
Click here (PDF, 88 KB) to download the registration form.
Mail or fax to:
NWP/RSN Registration
WMU
Lifelong Learning and Education
1276 Ellsworth
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5280
FAX: (269) 387.4189
Payment or Purchase Order must accompany all registrations.
Registration Confirmation • A letter and map will be e-mailed (or mailed if no e-mail address) to you upon receipt of your registration.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Radisson Hotel Kalamazoo
100 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007
(888) 201-1718
http://www.radisson.com/kalamazoomi
Cost: $139 nightly. Code: Rural Sites Network Conference
NOTE: Participants are responsible for making their own housing reservations.
TRANSPORTATION
A free shuttle is provided from/to the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport by the Kalamazoo Radisson. When you arrive, you will see a hotline phone near the baggage claim. You may also call (269) 343-3333 to request a shuttle.
CONTACT PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Cheri Lay
Conference Coordinator
Email: cheryl.lay@wmich.edu
Mary Ann Ford
Conference Secretary
Email: maryann.ford@wmich.edu
Office of Lifelong Learning and Education
Phone: (269) 387.4174
Fax: (269) 387.4189