News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 12/8/04   SOUTHEASTERN SPONSORS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WRITING SERIES FOR SECONDARY TEACHERS      HAMMOND – Secondary teachers can participate this spring in “Why Write?”, a professional development series sponsored by the Southeastern Louisiana Writing Project at Southeastern Louisiana University.      The five-session series will take place in the university’s Writing Center in D Vickers Hall from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Jan. 20, Feb. 10, March 3 and 17, April 7, said SLWP Director Richard Louth, a member of the Southeastern English department faculty.      Louth said "Why Write?" consists of a coordinated series of hands-on workshops led by SLWP teacher consultants and classroom teachers. He said 15 teachers will examine issues in the teaching of writing, develop practical new writing activities, peruse actual student work, and read professional texts. “They will also reflect in writing on their own teaching practices, and learn together through professional dialogue in a comfortable university setting,” Louth said.      Louth said all participants, including the SLWP's team of five teacher consultants, will be expected to attend the entire series. “Teachers will take ideas back to their classrooms to test them out, and get continuous feedback from our staff at each meeting,” he said.        Cost is $300 per person or $400 for a team of two teachers from the same school. Louth said the SLWP is recognized by the Louisiana Board of Education as a provider of professional development credits in conjunction with the federal No Child Left Behind act. He said 15 hours of professional development credit are available.        For further information about “Why Write?”, contact Louth at 985-549-2102 or rlouth@selu.edu.