Berkeley, CA, September 8, 2015 — Young people aren't the only ones intrigued by new technologies that make learning engaging and fun. This summer, more than 3,000 teachers worked face-to-face and in online communities to share and learn new ways to teach writing, engage colleagues, and enhance their leadership through the National Writing Project (NWP). Programs in all 50 states included a wide range of content and approaches, anchored in improving writing and learning for today's young people, from collaborative work on argument writing in the NWP College-Ready Writers Program to making and remixing content in this summer's Connected Learning MOOC. As a result of these varied opportunities, NWP teacher-leaders arrived at school equipped with new tools, strategies, and ideas gleaned from weeks of learning and collaborating with other teachers, librarians, and community educators. These teachers will continue to foster the growth of NWP's nationwide K-university professional network focused on improving the teaching of writing and learning in the digital age.

"NWP teacher-leaders work to help their students to become better writers and learners," said Dr. Elyse Eidman-Aadahl, NWP executive director. "They also develop their own skills and capacities to work with colleagues in larger efforts to improve education and the profession more broadly. It's exciting because new teacher-leaders will work alongside their NWP colleagues and professional staff at museums, libraries, and a range of youth development programs to lead professional development, create curriculum, study practices, and work collaboratively to engage young people in meaningful learning."

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation, Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Park Service, private foundations, and individual donors, the national network of NWP teacher-leaders and Educator Innovators will continue to work together throughout the new school year to reimagine learning; develop resources to prepare young people for college, career, and community; and make the use of digital technology a central part of teaching writing and active learning in today's interconnected world.

This October, Educator Innovator, powered by the National Writing Project, will participate in the nationwide Connected Educator Month and share stories of teacher-leaders around the country participating in the LRNG Innovation Challenge. As a hub and growing community for educators to reimagine learning, Educator Innovator features weekly content and webinars focused on creative and connected learning.

"We know through research that professional development programs designed and delivered by NWP sites have a positive effect on the writing achievement of students across grade levels, schools, and contexts, and we're thrilled we can work with, collaborate with, and support the learning of thousands of talented teachers this year," concluded Eidman-Aadahl.