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Learn more
Apply
 
•  Overview
​•  Learning objectives
•  Schedule
•  Coaching team
​•  Course structure
•  Logistics
​•  FAQ

​3 weeks  •  6 CTLEs  •  $175

Questions? Reach us at [email protected]. 
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​Remix and reimagine literature
Our exciting Summer Institute returns for its eighth year to support a new cohort of players as they discover new ways to engage with literature through shared, artistic storytelling. This year's selected text -- In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez — offers a unique opportunity to explore a story that blends historical fact and fiction, examining how resistance can become revolution, and the ways in which art and activism are entwined. 


Project-based pedagogy
The Literacy Unbound Institute is comprised of arts-integrated remix, transmedia storytelling, and literary studies — a terrific way for teachers to explore innovative, project-based pedagogical approaches to literature and history. The unconventional nature of the institute will allow you gain firsthand experience with the principles and practices of Literacy Unbound while also exploring ways to transfer these practices to your own classroom. 


Arts-integrated storytelling
Throughout the month of July, we'll invite this year's players to let their creativity shine — on their own as they read and respond to this year's text, and then in collaboration as they weave together their artistic talents to create an original, co-created film based on In the Time of the Butterflies. Alongside our talented facilitators and professional teaching artists, players will have ample opportunity to discover all the ways in which stories can be unpacked and reimagined. 
 
​•  Overview
​•  Learning objectives
•  Schedule
•  Coaching team
​•  Course structure
•  Logistics
​•  FAQ

​Looking for student information?
Click here.
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Thoughtful, inventive educators will find an outlet for their creativity and curiosity at this unique institute, which will pair them with instructional experts, professional artists, and high school students from around the world for an exclusive collaboration. As a teacher player in the institute, you'll participate in an unmatched multimodal experience that will expand your understanding of instructional possibilities as you remix this year's selected text — In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez — and co-create an original film. 

​During this institute, you'll be able to: 
  • Engage in reflective reading, using literature remix to step into this year's novel
  • Develop multimodal instructional skills as you collaboratively create an original film alongside students
  • Craft an original unit of study for your classroom based upon the principles and practices you experience throughout the institute
  • Work with experienced facilitators and teaching artists who specialize in innovative instruction​
​
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Creative collaboration
Connect to literature in new ways, tapping into your creativity as you read and remix this year's text, alongside students. Move beyond the page as you explore drama, movement, and more. 
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Multimodal exploration
Expand your idea of literacy instruction and discover how to support students in accessing and engaging with classic, canonical, and challenging texts. 
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Instructional innovation​
Inject curiosity and creativity into your instruction using arts-integrated, project-based approaches that align with
 the Hallmarks of Advanced Literacy.
 
​•  Overview
​•  Learning objectives
•  Schedule
•  Coaching team
​•  Course structure
•  Logistics
​•  FAQ

​Looking for student information?
Click here.
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How Critical Incidents Inform Teaching
Unpack the meaning of critical incidents and explore how these moments embody crucial learning experiences in your teaching career. 
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How Critical Incidents Inform Teaching
Unpack the meaning of critical incidents and explore how these moments embody crucial learning experiences in your teaching career. ​
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How Critical Incidents Inform Teaching
Unpack the meaning of critical incidents and explore how these moments embody crucial learning experiences in your teaching career. ​
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​All players will navigate a blend of asynchronous (on their own) and synchronous (with others) opportunities throughout the institute, culminating in a live film premiere on July 29. Following the film premiere, we will gather for a final time on July 30 for a closing reflection and a chance to say goodbye. 

You will be asked to participate in the following ways: 
  • Asynchronously (July 3-17): During this time, you'll work independently to read this year's text — In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez — and respond to our Invitations to Create, which will elicit your creative skills related to hotspots within the text. Players typically take two hours per day to complete their reading and creations. 
  • Synchronously (July 18 - 30): A chance for all players to experience interactive workshops, participate in sessions with this year's Teaching Artists, and collaborate on this year's original film. This portion of the institute will also include time for teacher players to work, separately from students, on connecting Literacy Unbound instructional strategies to their classroom practices.​ The institute will culminate with a film premiere on July 29, which will invite family and friends to view this year's creation and speak with players about the creative process. Times for synchronous sessions will be determined by the needs of this year's cohort. ​
View estimated synchronous schedule
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​•  Overview
​•  Learning objectives
•  Schedule
•  Coaching team
​•  Course structure
•  Logistics
​•  FAQ

​Looking for student information?
Click here.
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In our current historical moment, there is no more ideal text to explore together than In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. This novel weaves together historical fact and fiction, examining courage in the face of brutality, how resistance can become revolution, and the ways in which art and activism are entwined. 
Inspired by the true story of the four Mirabal sisters who come of age in the Dominican Republic during the Rafael Trujillo dictatorship. Three of those sisters–known as “las mariposas” or “the butterflies” in the underground–become key figures in the resistance against Trujillo’s ruthless regime. In a review of the 25th anniversary edition, Anjanette Delgado writes in the New York Journal of Books:
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​•  Overview
​•  Learning objectives
•  Schedule
•  Coaching team
​•  Course structure
•  Logistics
​•  FAQ

​Looking for student information?
Click here.
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With a belief in the power of play in the classroom, our team of facilitators and teaching artists seek to expand traditional approaches to reading and writing, helping teachers create innovative instruction that helps students engage deeply with literature. We can't wait to meet you! 
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Adele is a lecturer in the English Education program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She taught English for grades 8-12 at the New York City Lab School, founding the Lab Theatre Company (LTC) in 2007. Prior to public school teaching, she received her M.F.A. in acting from the University of Washington Professional Actor Training Program (PATP), where she taught undergraduate theatre. As an educator, she is interested in structuring classroom spaces as laboratories for imaginative exploration and creation.
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Dr. Nathan Blom
Facilitator

Colin Russell
​Facilitator
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Dr. Sherrish Holloman
Facilitator
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Dr. Marcelle Mentor
Facilitator
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​Rebecca Ashley

Drama Specialist

Veronica Black 
Technology Specialist

​Donna Costello

Movement Specialist

Chris Shamburg
Remix Scholar
Lisa Strum
​Drama Specialist
 
​•  Overview
​•  Learning objectives
•  Schedule
•  Coaching team
​•  Course structure
•  Logistics
​•  FAQ

​Looking for student information?
Click here.
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What makes a great teacher player at our Summer Institute? A willingness to work alongside students in a creative, generative online environment; a desire to learn from experienced teaching artists who specialize in innovative instruction; and an interest in exercising your own artistry as a multimodal creator, crafting original units of study for your classroom throughout the process. 


​All K-12 educators are welcome to apply for the 2022 Summer Institute! We find that the content of the institute speaks most closely to high school English, History, TESOL, Special Education, and Drama teachers who are wondering how they can: 
  • Approach the study of literature and history through multiple modalities
  • Engage students in reading classic, canonical, or challenging texts
  • Conduct arts-integrated, project-based learning projects in a virtual space
  • Encourage creative collaboration among students while teaching in a virtual setting
  • Integrate the Hallmarks of Advanced Literacy into innovative, coherent units of study


If this sounds like you, submit your application below! Early decision applicants should submit their application by May 2, 11:59PM EST, and expect to hear our decision by May 9. Regular decision applicants should submit their application by June 3, 11:59PM EST, and expect to hear our decision by June 10. 
 
​•  Overview
​•  Learning objectives
•  Schedule
•  Coaching team
​•  Course structure
•  Logistics
​•  FAQ

​Looking for student information?
Click here.
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Applications
Is there an application fee?
There is no fee for teachers to apply for the institute; however, teachers will be required to pay a $50 registration fee if selected for this year's cohort.
Do I need to be a teacher in NYC to apply?
No, you do not need to be from NYC to apply for this institute! Applicants from all locations will be considered for this year's cohort. The 2022 Summer institute will take place virtually with synchronous (online together at the same time) and asynchronous (online together at different times) which makes it easy for people from around the world to participate without leaving home.
Do I need to be familiar with the selected text before applying?
Not at all! Reading the text is part of participating in the institute. 
I already applied — when will I find out if I've been accepted?
If you applied by the early decision deadline (May 2), you will be notified by May 9. If you applied for the regular decision deadline (after May 2 but before June 3), you will be notified by June 10.

In the meantime, you’re welcome to email Adele Bruni Ashley at 
[email protected] with any questions.
Participation
Does it cost anything to participate in the institute?
Yes, teachers will be required to pay a $50 registration fee if selected for this year's cohort. This will be due by the start of the institute. 
What equipment do I need to participate?
At a minimum, all players will need to equip themselves with:
  • Regular access to an internet-connected device with a built-in camera and microphone
  • Zoom/video conferencing capabilities
  • Reliable internet connection
How much time should I commit to this institute?
During the first two weeks of the institute, all of our collaboration will be asynchronous, and will take approximately two hours per day.

During the second two weeks, players will commit to two hours of synchronous collaboration, as well as approximately two hours of asynchronous creation. Teacher players will also engage in PD sessions during this time, with each session being approximately 1 hour in length. 
Are there any in-person elements to this institute?
No; all components of this year's institute are taking place online.
What do I do during the asynchronous portion of the institute?
During this period, you’ll focus on exploring this year’s text, In the Time of the Butterflies, and responding to our Invitations to Create, which will prompt you to reflect on and engage with the text, jumpstarting your creative process.   
Where can I find the synchronous institute schedule?
Scroll up to the schedule section to view an outline of the time commitment involved in the institute, as well as an estimated daily schedule for the synchronous portion (July 18 - 29). 

No schedule is available for the asynchronous portions of the institute, as each player will be moving at their own pace, at times of their choosing.
What happens on the day after the film premiere?
All players will reconvene on July 30 to reflect on the institute and say our goodbyes. 

Teachers will be with students during the morning of July 30 and then spend some time in the afternoon working on intensive curriculum development.
Other
Will this institute offer CTLE credits?
Yes! We are able to offer 10 CTLE credits for NYS educators who are selected to be a part of this year's institute. If you're interested in receiving CTLE credits for your participation, please notify Adele Bruni Ashley ([email protected]) once selected for the 2022 cohort, and we'll walk you through the process. 

Please note that there will be an additional fee for those interested in receiving CTLE credits. 
Who can I contact with additional questions?
Please reach out to Adele Bruni Ashley at [email protected].
Can I see examples of previous institutes?
Every institute is a little different, since it's shaped by the players involved, the space in which we create (physical or digital), and the text that we're working with. To get a sense of what it's been like to work with teaching artists and prepare for a performance, check out our video library, which includes highlights from past institutes. ​​
How can I learn more about Literacy Unbound?
You can visit here to learn more about the work of Literacy Unbound, and to watch see highlights of past institutes. Feel free to send us a message at [email protected] if you have additional questions!
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The Center for Professional Education of Teachers (CPET) at Teachers College, Columbia University is committed to making excellent and equitable education accessible worldwide. ​CPET unites theory and practice to promote transformational change. We design innovative projects, cultivate sustainable partnerships, and conduct research through direct and online services to youth and educators. Grounded in adult learning theories, our six core principles structure our customized approach and expand the capacities of educators around the world.

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  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Our Team
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    • Our Authors
    • Principles of Practice
    • Job Opportunities
  • What We Do
    • Services
    • Equity in Action
    • Literacy Unbound Summer Institute
    • Signature Initiatives >
      • Literacy Unbound
      • New Teacher Network
      • Student Press Initiative
  • Educator Essentials
    • Book of the month
    • Online Courses
    • Professional Articles
    • Ready-to-use Resources
    • Teaching Today Podcast
  • Support CPET