March 18, 2016

SVSU to offer writing workshops for Huron County teachers

Saginaw Valley State University's commitment to community engagement will extend into Michigan’s Thumb this summer through a new program to benefit Huron County K-12 teachers hoping to develop as better writing educators.

The SVSU-based Saginaw Bay Writing Project will host summer writing workshop, funded by George Haley, a Bad Axe High School alumnus. Fifteen teachers will be accepted to participate in The George Haley/Saginaw Bay Writing Project Institute.

Helen Raica-Klotz, director of the Saginaw Bay Writing Project and the Writing Center at SVSU, said Haley’s generosity and vision for his hometown gave life to the institute.

“Mr. Haley is very passionate when it comes to good writing,” she said. “He has been involved in supporting writing causes on a national level for many years, and while he is a long-time resident of California, he has remained true to his roots and wants to provide opportunities for students and teachers in Huron County.”

Applications are being accepted from teachers in all disciplines for the workshop, planned from Monday to Friday, August 1-5, at Bad Axe High School. The sessions are scheduled from 8:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Registration for the workshop is due Wednesday, March 30. Those interested can apply online at http://svsu.edu/sbwp/huroncountyworkshop/.

“Thanks to Mr. Haley’s generous support, this is a wonderful opportunity for teachers,” Raica-Klotz said. “We are very pleased that he chose SVSU and the Saginaw Bay Writing Project to put this program together.”

The free workshop includes a $200 stipend, complimentary lunches during the sessions, and professional resources. Participation also will include an opportunity to obtain 25 free State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH) credits or two SVSU credits, paid for by participants.

For more information, contact Marilyn Brooks, assistant director of the Saginaw Bay Writing Project, at mtbrooks@svsu.edu.

SVSU's Saginaw Bay Writing Project, founded in 1993, promotes literacy throughout the region. The initiative offers professional development for teachers interested in growing both as writers and as writing teachers.