Montana State University Billings’ Elk River Writing Project will hold its second annual learning opportunity for K-16 teachers entitled, “Yellowstone National Park: Cultures, Conversations, and Contemplations.” Mammoth Hot Springs/Gardiner area will be the setting for this place-based institute from Wednesday, October 19, through Saturday, October 22.
Elk River Writing Project is a branch of the National Writing Project housed in the Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages at MSU Billings. The group offers professional development primarily for teachers in Billings and surrounding areas.
Special guest presenter Shane Doyle, Ph.D., will lead conversations at significant cultural and scientific sites in the area. Tami Haaland, former Montana Poet Laureate and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at MSUB will lead a writing workshop for the group. ERWP teacher-leaders Casey Olsen and Lorrie Henrie-Koski will facilitate writing connections throughout the institute. Yellowstone National Park personnel will accompany the group to offer further insight.
Shane Doyle, Ph.D., is an enrolled member of the Apsaalooke Nation from the Crow Agency who earned his Doctorate in Education from Montana State University. He is an educational consultant and environmental advocate working for groups such as the Montana Office of Public Instruction, the University of Copenhagen, the Montana Wilderness Association, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, and the National Park Service. Doyle is also a research scientist, film producer, and performing artist.
Tami Haaland served as Montana's Poet Laureate from 2013 to 2015 and has received a Governor’s Humanities Award and an Artist Innovation Award from Montana Arts Council. She has presented workshops internationally and is the author of three poetry collections. Haaland currently serves as dean in the MSU Billings College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
The cost for participants is $45 per person and includes presentations, workshops, transportation, meals and snacks. Participants will earn 32 OPI Renewal Units upon completion of the institute. Space is limited.
Contact ERWP at elkriverwriting@gmail.com with questions, or to register for the workshop.
Original source can be found here.
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