Since 1982, the Connecticut Writing Project at UConn has worked to improve writing instruction in Connecticut's schools. To that end, the CWP sponsors several opportunities for teachers to engage in quality professional development and for both teachers and K-12 students to publish their writing. Below are several forms for applying to some of these opportunities, including the Summer Institute, Connecticut Student Writers, and Letters About Literature. Click the icon above to visit our website, or email us at cwp@uconn.edu.
“The best professional development you’ll ever do!”
Courtney Baklik, ECE English teacher, Lyme/Old Lyme High School.
2026 CWP Summer Institute (SI) Details:
- Dates: June 22nd to July 17th, 2026 (Mondays through Thursdays, 8:30 AM-3:30 PM)
- Applications Due: April 6, 2026, 11:59 PM
- Orientation: May 16th, 2026 (8:30 AM-3:30 PM)
Compensation and Requirements
Compensation: All participants will receive an Aetna Fellowship of up to $6400 to cover partial or full tuition and fees (depending on how many educators are in the cohort) for 6 graduate credits, plus the opportunity for a mini-grant to extend research over the next year to continue the research they began during the Summer Institute.
*K-12 Classroom Teachers: The credits can be used toward a current or future degree, MA, 6th year, or plus 30. The coursework also paves the way to host a Writing Center in your school or even adjunct if there are openings!
*English Grad Students: This Fellowship covers summer coursework that your tuition waiver does not.
*Education Grad Students (Including students between 4th and 5th year of the IB/M): Your programs almost all accept 6 elective credits, so these two courses can be used toward your degree.
Required Application Material:
*1-page essay on your teaching philosophy,
*Two letters of recommendation (one may be an email recommendation from a CWP Teacher-Consultant, meaning someone who has already completed a Summer Institute),
*A résumé or CV.
Contact me with any questions at danielle.pieratti@uconn.edu.