About the Nebraska Writing Project

Mission Statement

Because we believe access to writing is the last best hope for American society and education, The Nebraska Writing Project works to invigorate, enrich, and educate by supporting the ever shifting needs of teachers, students, and communities. As a reflective network of innovative educators, scholars, and writers, we offer outreach and writing opportunities to advocate for transformations across disciplines and at all levels.

Belief Statements

• The best teachers of writing are writers themselves.
• Teachers provide the best instruction for other teachers.
• Anyone, no matter their ability level, can improve their writing in a supportive context with other practicing writers.
• True school reform comes through democratic partnerships across grade levels.
• Teachers, students and communities benefit when teachers form networks with other teachers and draw on collective expertise.

Goals

1. To provide educators, through continuing Nebraska Writing Project programs, opportunities to:
   1. write,
   2. network with other teachers,
   3. reflect on and improve teaching, and
   4. act publicly to improve education in our state and region.
2. To provide schools, colleges, and universities with an effective professional development model.
3. To identify, celebrate, and enhance the professional roles of successful classroom teachers.

Funding

To offer its programs, the Nebraska Writing Project requires a yearly budget of over $140,000. The bulk of this budget comes from local and national grants received for specific projects, most of which require matching funds.

Major donors have included:

• National Writing Project federal allotment
• Hillegas Charitable Fund
• Nebraska Humanities Council
• School at the Center
• Rural Voices, Country Schools
• University of Nebraska resources for faculty support
• Spencer Foundation
• Educate America Act