The West Chester Writing Project (WCWP), formerly called the Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project, is one of the oldest sites of the National Writing Project (NWP). WCWP follows NWP's guiding principles and provides professional development, develops resources, generates research, and acts on knowledge to improve the teaching of writing and learning in schools and communities. WCWP believes that access to high-quality educational experiences is a basic right of all learners and a cornerstone of equity. We work in partnership with institutions, organizations, and communities to develop and support leadership for educational improvement.
WCWP offers summer and school-year courses and workshops in teaching writing, teaching literature, writing-reading connections, authentic assessment, and special topics of interest to educators. For information on how to bring a course or professional development program to your district
email Director Dr. Pauline Schmidtor call 610-436-2202.
Mission Statement
The West Chester Writing Project is a community of educators whose work is grounded in the knowledge, expertise, and leadership of local teachers.
We collaborate with area school districts to provide high-quality, inquiry-based learning experiences for teachers and students.
We celebrate our rich history of teachers teaching teachers, and we strive for innovative methods to inspire readers and writers.
Vision Statement
The West Chester Writing Project envisions a future where every person is a celebrated writer, an engaged learner, and a responsible participant in a digital, interconnected world.
We believe that high-quality reading and writing experiences are powerful and necessary vehicles for antiracism and social justice.
As such, we advocate for changes in K-16 systems that ensure equitable educational outcomes for all students and learners/educators.
Continuity Sessions
Saturday, February 1st from 10-11:30am
WCU Graduate Center, room 323
Our Saturday sessions will return this fall - we meet the FIRST Saturday of every month to learn, discuss, and write together! Our February meeting will feature our 2024 Teacher Leader, Bonnie, who will focus on teaching writing to primary aged children!
Social Justice Book Club.
Saturday, February 1st from 11:30- 1pm
WCU Graduate Center, room 323
Facilitated by Dr. Emily Southerton and WCWP Teacher Leader, Deanna Gabe. The group has selected CASTE by Isabel Wilkerson as the book selection for the February meeting.
Around the Table with WCWP
WCWP's literary magazine is accepting personal narratives, poems, memoirs and fiction. Also to be submitted are photos, artwork, royalty-free images from Google or other sources, drawings, sketches and music to be included with your writing. Please keep the word count under 2000. Send writings and any questions to aroundthetablewithpawlp@gmail.com.
Coming Events:
Youth Writing Festival - Saturday, December 7th at the WCU Grad Center
Click here to register for the Youth Writing Festival.
NCTE - November 21-24 in Boston, MA
Spring Writing Conference - Saturday, March 22nd at the WCU Grad Center