Center for the Professional Education of Teachers
  • Home
  • ABOUT US
    • Our Team
    • Partnerships
    • Signature Initiatives
    • Coaching Philosophy
    • Career Opportunities
  • Upcoming PD
  • K-12 Resources
  • Work with a coach
Learn more
Apply
•  Overview
​•  Student experience
•  Schedule
•  Selected text
​•  Team...
•  Applications / is it right
​•  FAQ
THIS IS OUR 8TH INSTITUTE

basics of lit unbound / the institute
link to videos ? 
touch on text
goals of institute
find ways to reference other sections


xxx

The Literacy Unbound Summer Institute is part arts-integration, part remix, part transmedia storytelling, and part literary studies — a terrific way for teachers to explore innovative, project-based pedagogical approaches to literature and history. It’s unconventional in a number of ways, with high school students and teachers working side-by-side as "players", as they explore a shared text (PUT THE LINK TO THE TEXT SECTION HERE!!!!!!) and create an original film in the process. 

xxx
While the majority of this institute involves students and teachers in collaboration, teachers will also have dedicated time to explore how they can bring the 
principles and practices of Literacy Unbound to their own classrooms, working toward increased student engagement and incorporating Hallmarks of Advanced Literacy into innovative, coherent units of study. 

Multiple modalities ? 
This year's institute will once again take place virtually, using a blend of synchronous and asynchronous engagements to support collaboration between teachers, students, professional teaching artists(PUT THE LINK TO THE SECTION HERE!!!!!!), and Literacy Unbound facilitators (PUT THE LINK TO THE SECTION HERE!!!!!!).

Goal ? 
xxxx sync and async engagements, with ultimate goal of original film? 

Players will begin their collaboration and creation through individual reading prompts connected to this year's text — 
Jhumpa Lahiri's Interpreter of Maladies — and workshops led by expert teaching artists who will share techniques related to drama, music, movement, and more. The 2020 institute will culminate in a 24-hour film challenge, which will produce an original, co-created film, which will premiere online on Friday, July 31. ​

This year's cohort of players will navigate a blend of 

 the program will select high school students and teachers who will work virtually to explore the text through multiple modalities and collaborate to create an original film inspired by a reading of Julia Alvarez’s In the Time of the Butterflies. Running online from July 3rd through July 30th, this four-week online Summer Institute will take place through asynchronous and synchronous engagements with teachers, students, Literacy Unbound facilitators, and professional teaching artists. Through a series of live online workshops, individual reading prompts, customized online teaching artist workshops, and daily connections in small groups, the Online Summer Institute will culminate in a 24-hour film challenge.  The final project will be shared through a livestream of the film and an online talk-back with the players. Teachers will have dedicated time to explore how they can bring the principles and practices of Literacy Unbound to their own classrooms as they work alongside experienced professional development facilitators and coaches. 


COMPONENTS 
​
Components of the 2022 institute include:
  • Multimedia reading invitations to guide reflective reading and inspire curiosity and creativity
  • Exposure to diverse teaching artists who will guide players in making connections between their art and the text
  • An interactive, collaborative community of high school students and teachers who will work together to interpret the text
  • An original film written, directed, edited, and produced by this year's cohort of players
  • Professional development for teachers, who will connect Literacy Unbound instructional strategies to their classroom practices
 
•  Overview
​•  Student experience
•  Schedule
•  2022 selected text
​•  Team...
•  Applications / is it right
​•  FAQ
​

​Looking for teacher information instead? Click here. 
Picture
Inquisitive high school students will find an outlet for their creativity and curiosity at this unique institute, which will pair them with professional artists and teachers from around the world for an exclusive collaboration. As a student player in the institute, you'll tap into your reading, writing, performance, and multimedia abilities as you remix this year's selected text — In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez — and co-create an original film. 

Components of the 2022 institute include:
  • Multimedia reading prompts to guide reflective reading and inspire curiosity and creativity
  • Exposure to diverse teaching artists who will guide players in making connections between their art and the text
  • An interactive, collaborative community of high school students and teachers who will work together to interpret the text
  • An original film written, directed, edited, and produced by this year's cohort of players


​During this institute, you'll be able to: 
  • Exercise your own artistry and create material for an original film
  • Learn from experienced teaching artists who specialize in drama, music, and dance
  • Gain exposure to _______
  • Reflect on how the concepts learned during the institute will impact your experience as a student moving forward​
Picture
Creative expression
Connect to literature in new ways, tapping into your creativity as you read and remix this year's text. Move beyond the page as you explore drama, music, movement, and more. 
Picture
Connection & community
​
Diversify your perspective as you collaborate alongside high school students and teachers from around the world, creating a unique bond that will last beyond the Institute. 
Picture
College readiness
​Expand your talents in reading, reflection, and critical thinking. Acquire transferable skills that will support you when you return to school in the fall. 
 
•  Overview
​•  Student experience
•  Schedule
•  2022 selected text
​•  Team...
•  Applications / is it right
​•  FAQ
Schedule
Picture

​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. 

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. 
  • Synchronously (July 18 - 29): 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. Times for these sessions will be determined by the needs of this year's cohort. This portion of the institute also includes the 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. 

*** for teachers it will be four main components — all of the above + the PD time
View estimated synchronous schedule
Picture
 
•  Overview
​•  Student experience
•  Schedule
•  Selected text
​•  Team...
•  Applications / is it right
​•  FAQ
Picture
Picture
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:
Picture
 
•  Overview
​•  Student experience
•  Schedule
•  2022 selected text
​•  Creative team
•  Applications / is it right
​•  FAQ
Picture
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 students access their creativity and engage deeply with literature. We can't wait to meet you! 
Picture
Dr. Adele Bruni Ashley
Literacy Unbound Director

​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.
Picture
Dr. Nathan Blom
Picture
Dr. Marcelle Mentor
Picture
Picture
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.
Picture
Dr. Nathan Blom
Facilitator

Colin Russell
​Facilitator
Picture
Dr. Sherrish Holloman
Facilitator
Picture
Dr. Marcelle Mentor
Facilitator
Picture

​Rebecca Ashley

Drama Specialist

Veronica Black 
Technology Specialist

​Donna Costello

Movement Specialist

Chris Shamburg
Remix Scholar
Lisa Strum
​Drama Specialist
 
•  Overview
​•  Student experience
•  Schedule
•  2022 selected text
​•  Team...
•  Applications
​•  FAQ
Picture
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.

EMBED CORRECT APPLICATION HERE
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!
During this institute, you'll be able to: 
  • Exercise your own artistry and work as a multimodal creator
  • Craft an original unit of study for your classroom based upon the principles and practice you experience throughout the institute
  • Learn from experienced facilitators and teaching artists who specialize in innovative instruction, as well as drama, music, and dance
  • Work alongside students in a creative, generative online environment

THERE IS NO COST TO APPLY; HOWEVER, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY A $50 REGISTRATION FEE IF YOU ARE SELECTED AS A PLAYER FOR THIS YEAR'S INSTITUTE. 
 
•  Overview
​•  Student experience
•  Schedule
•  2022 selected text
​•  Team...
•  Applications / is it right
​•  FAQ
FAQ
Applications
Is there an application fee?
No, there is no fee for students or teachers to apply. 

If you are selected as a teacher player, you will be asked to pay a small registration fee prior to the start of this year's institute. But nothing is due at the time of your application.
Do I need to be a student or 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.
I'm only in 8th grade — can I still apply?
Sure! We give preference to those already in high school, but you can certainly apply. On the application, we ask that you tell us what grade you’re entering in the fall of 2022, so it would be appropriate to choose "9th grade".​
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 
literacyunbound@tc.edu with any questions.
Participation
Does it cost anything to participate in the institute?
All students selected for this year's cohort will attend the institute for free.

If you are selected as a teacher player, you will be asked to pay a small registration fee prior to the start of this year's institute.
What equipment do I need to participate?
At a minimum, all players will need:
  • 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.​
Are there any in-person elements to this institute?
No; all components of this year's institute are taking place online.
Where can I find the institute schedule?
You will be able to view a schedule for the synchronous portion of the institute on this page, as soon as it is published. 

Please note that 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.
I'm a teacher — can I earn CTLEs for my participation?
Yes! We can provide CTLE certification for any interested NYS teachers. If you'd like to receive CTLEs for your participation, there will be a fee associated with this request, to cover the processing of your certification. We'll be able to provide more information about the process at the time of the institute. If you have any urgent concerns about CTLEs, please send us a message at literacyunbound@tc.edu.
Other
Who can I contact with additional questions?
Please reach out to Adele Bruni Ashley at literacyunbound@tc.edu.
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 literacyunbound@tc.edu if you have additional questions!
Do you have any Literacy Unbound-related resources available?
Yes! Please visit here and here to browse our most recent resources. 
Can Literacy Unbound work exclusively with my students / school?
Absolutely! Please reach out to us at literacyunbound@tc.edu to start this process.

The Center for Professional Education of Teachers (CPET) at Teachers College, Columbia University is devoted to advancing global capacities in teacher education, research, and whole school reform. CPET advocates for excellence and equity in education through direct service to youth and educators, innovative school projects, international research that examines and advocates the highest quality instructional and assessment practices today, and sustainable school partnerships that leverage current policy and mandates to raise literacy levels and embed collaborative communities of learning. Uniting theory and practice, CPET promotes rigorous and relevant scholarship and is committed to making excellent education accessible worldwide.
​
Center for Professional Education of Teachers 
525 West 120th Street, Box 182 New York, NY 10027
416 Zankel Hall
Phone: (212) 678-3161 | Fax: (212) 678-6631
Email: cpet@tc.edu
Picture
Picture
WORK WITH A COACH

CPET
© 2021, Center for Professional Education of Teachers
This website uses cookies as well as similar tools and technologies to understand visitors’ experiences. By continuing to use this website, you consent to Teachers
​College, Columbia University’s usage of cookies and similar technologies, in accordance with the Teachers College, Columbia University Website Cookie Notice.
  • Home
  • ABOUT US
    • Our Team
    • Partnerships
    • Signature Initiatives
    • Coaching Philosophy
    • Career Opportunities
  • Upcoming PD
  • K-12 Resources
  • Work with a coach