​CSUWP programs for teachers

These no-cost programs are open to K-12 educators in any content area. 

summer 2026
writers colony for teachers
​June 22-25
(Mon.-Thurs., 9am-12pm)

​“Creative work needs solitude. It needs concentration, without interruptions. It needs the whole sky to fly in, and no eye watching until it comes to that certainty which it aspires to, but does not necessarily have at once. Privacy, then. A place apart—to pace, to chew pencils, to scribble and erase and scribble again.” -- Mary Oliver
The CSU Writers Colony for K-12 Teachers offers a PAID opportunity to follow Mary Oliver's advice by providing you with four days of "privacy" and a "place apart" to write. Each day will open with writing in community, followed by a healthy block of uninterrupted personal writing time, and a brief time at the end to debrief and share. For attending and fully participating all four days, you will receive a a writing journal, a $75 stipend, and the optional opportunity to purchase one CSU graduate credit for approximately $75.

DATES/LOCATION: June 22-25 (Mon.-Thurs., 9am-12pm) on the CSU campus, Fort Collins

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Mon., 6/8 -- Register at this link.

Writers Colony is limited to 10 participants. Registrations will be reviewed on a rolling basis in the order that they are received. You will be notified of your status and will receive a confirmation at least one week before Writers Colony begins. 

​summer 2026
​Zoom Book Club

​July 8, 15, and 22
(all wednesdays, 9:00-10:15AM)​

 "Brené Brown returns with an urgent call to reimagine the essentials of courageous leadership. In a time when uncertainty runs deep...Brown delivers practical, actionable insights that illuminate the mindsets and skill sets essential to reclaiming focus and driving growth through connection, discipline, and accountability." (New York Times)
We are pleased to offer a PAID opportunity to participate in a Zoom book club on Brené Brown's new book, Strong Ground. Book club sessions will include lively conversation, informal writing/sharing, and a sustainable teaching activity. ​We will mail a free copy of the book to your home address, and you will receive a $75 stipend for attending and fully participating in all three book club sessions. You will also have the optional opportunity to purchase one CSU graduate credit for approximately $75. 

DATES: Wednesdays, July 8, 15, and 22 (9:00-10:15am)

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Mon., 6/15 -- Register at this link.

​The book club is limited to 10 participants. Registrations will be reviewed on a rolling basis in the order that they are received. You will be notified of your status and will receive a confirmation at least one week before the book club begins. Your book will be mailed directly to your home, and we'll provide you with the Zoom link at that time, too. 

summer/fall 2026
Thinking & Writing INstitute:​

Teaching with Creativity ​While Working for Social Change
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​"Creativity is an aspect of our joy; without it, how are we equipped to do work toward justice?" 
​
- Kass Minor, Spreading Joy and Justice in Our Schools
DATES / LOCATIONS:
This is a highly interactive hybrid institute that begins and concludes with face-to-face retreats on the CSU campus in Fort Collins and meets over Zoom in the months in between. Attendance is required at all of the following meetings:
​
  • Summer Institute: July 28-30 (9-3:30), in person on the CSU campus, Fort Collins
  • Fall Zoom meetings: September 8, October 6, November 3 (5-6:30pm, all Tuesdays)
  • Project Showcase: Saturday, Dec. 5 (9-3:30), in person on the CSU campus, Fort Collins

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wed., July 1 at this link

​The institute is limited to 15 participants. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis in the order they are received, and applicants will be notified of their status shortly thereafter. 
​
WHO SHOULD APPLY:
This is a paid professional development opportunity available to K-12 educators in any content area. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO:  
Together in community, we will work toward the following outcomes:
  • Cultivating a community of belonging, united by a commitment to joy, imagination, and educational justice
  • Fostering YOUR creativity as a non-negotiable birthright that will feed your soul and fuel your teaching
  • Centering writing and other critical literacy skills as tools for learning and reflection for both students and teachers
  • Designing equity-centered content curriculum that matters to you and your students and fosters imaginative thinking
  • Developing staying power in the profession, using the tools of sustainable teaching

WHAT YOU'LL GET:
For attending all institute meetings, participating positively in the learning community, and completing the required tasks, you will receive:
  • A $500 stipend
  • Free books and materials
  • The option to purchase 3 CSU graduate credits for approx. $225 total
At the conclusion of the institute, you will also earn the official title of CSU Writing Project Fellow.
​Have any questions about CSUWP programs?
​Contact CSUWP Director Cindy O'Donnell-Allen at [email protected].