Dakota Writing Project

A group of dedicated DWP teacher-consultants developed demonstrations intended to be used for professional development (in-service) and explored ways in which to help build community during a demonstration at the Dakota Writing Project Professional Development "Weekend Warriors" Retreat on April 18-20, 2008, held in Old Main 212 on the University of South Dakota campus in Vermillion. Sue Morrell (Wagner Public School) did a meta-demonstration on "Learning Dialogues" that helped the DWP educators to think about what goes into an effective DWP demonstration.

Nineteen DWP teacher-consultants participated in the Weekend Warrior Retreat, including Annie Christain (USD), Kris Anne Christenson (Harvey Dunn Elementary, Sioux Falls), Carol Christianson (Dell Rapids Public), Tim DeWald (Bowdle High School), Trish Freeland (Parkston), Sonya Gonzalez, Lori Hawley (Elk Point), Jeannette Jennings (Sioux Falls), Nancy Kampfe (Rapid City-Stevens), Marcia Kear (USD), Sylvia Kroger (Harrisburg), Connie Krueger (Rapid City-Stevens), Anne Moege (Mitchell), Sue Morrell (Wagner), Cynthia Nelson (Hayward Elementary, Sioux Falls), Sharon Olbertson (Kilian College-Sioux Falls), Karen Rahn (Rutland), Alyssa Siegfried (Lower Brule), Nancy Zuercher (formerly USD), and DWP director Michelle Rogge Gannon (USD). 

Also attending the Friday-night introductory session were Pat Hubert from ESA 2 and additional DWP teacher-consultants Michele Fleer, Lindy Obach, and Dennis Sjolie.  Hubert spoke about the needs of ESA 2, while Sue Morrell discussed Wagner's needs; both ESA 2 and Wagner are working together with DWP on professional development for the 2008-09 school year.