National Writing Project
Elevate Your Writing Instruction at the 2025 Summer Institute on Writing!
Join us at the University of North Florida for the Seven Bridges Summer Institute, a dynamic three-day professional development experience designed for K-12 teachers and district leaders across Northeast Florida. This institute will empower you with practical strategies to engage students in writing across all content areas, while also providing space for you to grow as a writer.
The Seven Bridges Writing Project, Northeast Florida's only National Writing Project site, brings educators together to foster student engagement and support teachers as writers. Don't miss this chance to transform your teaching and inspire your students.
What to Expect?
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Dates and Times
Monday, June 23 - Wednesday, June 25, 2025
- Monday and Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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Format
Start your day with an inspiring general session designed to connect you with fellow educators and spark idea-sharing. In the afternoon, dive into interactive, content-specific breakout sessions tailored to your needs. Gain fresh insights, collaborate with peers, and leave with tools to enhance your teaching!
- Workshops led by a dynamic mix of UNF faculty and practicing teachers.
- Breakout sessions organized by grade levels and writing topics.
- Practical strategies for engaging writing instruction in both elementary and secondary classrooms.
- Enjoy coffee and a light breakfast each morning, with a full lunch on Wednesday!
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Participants
K-12 teachers and district leaders across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. -
Cost
- Just $75 for teachers who would like to attend the three-day institute filled with practical teaching strategies to ignite your passion for writing and elevate your classroom instruction!
- Just $40 for UNF students! (N # Required)
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Benefits
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Earn professional development credits and receive a Certificate of Completion on the final day.
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Join a dynamic reading and writing community, with eligibility to become NWP Teacher Consultants for your district.
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Enhance your teaching practice with engaging writing strategies while also refining your own writing skills.
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Why Attend?
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Inspiring Workshops
Morning sessions packed with actionable techniques for impactful writing instruction. -
Tailored Learning
Afternoon breakout workshops designed specifically for primary and secondary educators. -
Professional Growth
Align your teaching with ELA B.E.S.T standards and earn professional development credits. -
Community Connection
Become part of an ongoing network of educators passionate about advancing student writing. -
Perks!
Enjoy coffee and a light breakfast each day, a catered lunch on Wednesday, and free parking—all for just $75!
Join a Community of Passionate Educators Transforming Student Writing
The Seven Bridges Writing Project (SBWP) invites K-12 English teachers to be part of a collaborative network dedicated to advancing writing instruction. Based at the University of North Florida, SBWP unites teachers and faculty across Northeast Florida to create meaningful learning experiences for students while fostering a supportive space for educators as writers. As the only regional site for the National Writing Project (NWP), SBWP is a hub for innovative, research-driven writing practices that make an impact. Together, we’re helping students and educators find their voices across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
Take your teaching—and your writing—to the next level. Join us at SBWP and help empower the next generation of writers.
Why Join Us?
Summer Institute: Participate in our three-day, hands-on professional development program inspired by the National Writing Project's "teachers teaching teachers" philosophy. Discover strategies to inspire and engage student writers while refining your own craft as a writer.Collaborative Community: Connect with like-minded educators passionate about empowering students through writing.
Year-Round Opportunities: Attend professional development events or collaborate with us to bring tailored workshops to your school.
Currently accepting breakout session proposals!
If you’ve previously attended one of our Seven Bridges Summer Institutes or Saturday workshops, we invite you to submit a proposal to present a 90-minute breakout session at the 2024 Summer Institute. We’re seeking interactive sessions that will engage participants in meaningful ways. Accepted presenters will have their registration fee waived and receive a $150 stipend.
To submit a proposal, please include:
- Your name
- Name of your school
- Grade level(s) you teach or work with
- Title of your session
- Indicate if your session is for Elementary, Secondary, or K-12/General
- A paragraph describing the topic and nature of your session, including how it will be interactive
Meet Our Team
Elizabeth Hale, Co-Director, Associate Professor
Dr. Elizabeth Hale is an Associate Professor of Literacy at the University of North Florida's Silverfield College of Education and Human Services who previously worked for nine years as a teacher and literacy coach in Boston Public Schools. The author of two books on K-6 writing, her research focuses on supporting engagement with and comprehension of informational texts at the elementary and middle school level as well as using writing to deepen students' critical thinking about texts. Elizabeth received her Ed.D. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and her M.A. from Teachers College at Columbia University.
Kadesh Lauridsen, Co-Director, Associate Instructor
Dr. Kadesh Lauridsen is an Associate Instructor and Writing Consultant for the University of North Florida Writing Program and Center. She earned a Master of Arts in English (2006) and PhD in English (2012) from the University of Florida. She teaches first-year writing, develops programs and curriculum for the Osprey First Summer Pathway program, and develops online curriculum and instructor support for incoming students. Her interests include first-year writing, Jane Austen and women's writing of the long eighteenth century.
Ash Faulkner, Co-Director, Associate Instructor
Dr. Ash Faulkner is an Associate Instructor in the University of North Florida's Writing Program, Department of English. He teaches courses in professional communication, literature, and interdisciplinary studies. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. He also enjoys research in poetics, and his most recent articles have appeared in the journals Victorian Literature and Culture (Cambridge) and Victorian Poetry (Johns Hopkins).