Events

In collaboration with OneUp, a literacy foundation based in New Delhi, Teachers College Advancing Literacy will host a three-day writing institute to support educators across India. Hosted at Columbia University’s Global Center in Mumbai, the institute will draw participants from across India and the region, and will build on thirty years of expertise in the teaching of writing at Teachers College.

The research on teaching writing is clear–when students are in the hands of a skilled writing instructor, they become powerful writers. At this three-day institute, teachers will learn the most important pedagogies for teaching young writers, with a special focus on writing process, on inquiry, and on writing for real-world purposes. Participants will have a chance to develop their skills as a mentor writer, as well as their knowledge of high-leverage feedback they can give their writers. They’ll learn how to use mentor texts, shared writing, and interactive writing to support genre expertise and also grammar and conventions. 

This writing institute will have an emphasis on process, creativity, and critical thinking, which are beneficial in various educational contexts. It will provide teachers with tools and methodologies to improve writing skills with broader goals of nurturing alert, internationally-minded individuals who can express themselves effectively through writing in all disciplines, with an emphasis not only on the end product (the written piece) but also on the writing process itself, all of which are key components of many curricula worldwide, such as IB, IGSCE, CBSE and  ICSE.

Join us for a practical, inspiring, and transformative three days–a learning experience that will leave you eager and confident in your skills as a global writing teacher.

                                                 ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Heather Burns is co-author of Critical Literacy Clubs, and a senior staff developer at Teachers College Advancing Literacy. She has taught many courses at TC, including advanced courses in writing instruction, and has worked on-site at international schools in Shanghai and Tokyo. Heather’s approach to staff development is rooted in creating student-centered, identity-rich environments that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration and a global perspective. She is particularly invested in fostering the development of strong written communication skills.

Beth Hickey works with school administrators, families, teachers, and students to help empower and transform their communities into spaces that honor children’s identities and help each of them reach their highest potential. As a primary staff developer at Teachers College Advancing Literacy, she nurtures young learners to become curious and engaged global citizens. Beth is especially passionate about writing and the power it holds for self-expression and engagement across disciplines. She has taught writing institutes at TC and across the United States and Canada, and supported schools in Hong Kong.

Dalbir Kaur with OneUp Library, Bookstudio, and Learning Lab, Delhi is an educational entrepreneur and a literacy strategist dedicated to enriching literacy instruction. She has attended certifications at Teachers College Advancing Literacy to grow and develop her deep appreciation of their research-based progressive pedagogy. Her learning has helped her in reshaping literacy curriculum in her community and in schools to serve needs of the Indian community.