About Us

The Emerald Coast Writing Project follows the National Writing Project model, building a strong community of teacher-leaders who have completed our Invitational Summer Institute. These educators extend their impact by leading customized inservice programs for local schools, mentoring fellow teachers, and engaging in ongoing professional development and research. Through collaboration and innovation, ECWP continues to strengthen writing instruction across all grade levels and disciplines.

Mission

The National Writing Project focuses the knowledge, expertise, and leadership of our nation's educators on sustained efforts to improve writing and learning for all learners.

Vision

Writing in its many forms is the signature means of communication in the 21st century. The National Writing Project, Emerald Coast envisions a future where every person is an accomplished writer, engaged learner, and active participant in a digital, interconnected world.

Core Principles

The core principles at the foundation of ECWP’s national program model are:

Teachers at every level—from kindergarten through college—are the agents of reform; universities and schools are ideal partners for investing in that reform through professional development.
Writing can and should be taught, not just assigned, at every grade level. Professional development programs should provide opportunities for teachers to work together to understand the full spectrum of writing development across grades and across subject areas.
Knowledge about the teaching of writing comes from many sources: theory and research, the analysis of practice, and the experience of writing. Effective professional development programs provide frequent and ongoing opportunities for teachers to write and to examine theory, research, and practice together systematically.

There is no single right approach to teaching writing; however, some practices prove to be more effective than others. A reflective and informed community of practice is in the best position to design and develop comprehensive writing programs.

Teachers who are well informed and effective in their practice can be successful teachers of other teachers as well as partners in educational research, development, and implementation. Collectively, teacher-leaders are our greatest resource for educational reform.