Professional Development

We welcome opportunities to engage educators individually or entire school programs in SIWI Professional Development (PD). The PD experience is welcoming of all professionals who collaborate to support the writing and language development of deaf students (e.g., teachers, ASL specialists, SLPs, administrators, bilingual specialists).

Prior research has shown that implementation occurs with higher instructional fidelity if there is participation in PD workshops and ongoing coaching. 

Introductory Workshop 

The SIWI introductory workshop is designed to prepare educators for initial implementation of SIWI. It provides an overview of the SIWI driving principles and engages teachers in contextualized practice with guidance and support. There are three options available: 

OPTION 1: In person provided at your school

• 4 days of on-site PD
• $1500/day for each group up to 10 educators 
• includes access to SIWI instructional materials
• email siwi@utk.edu to set up PD

OPTION 2: Hybrid (asynchronous modules with 2 days in person) 

• 12 hours of asynchronous PD
• 7 hours of optional viewing of examples 
• 2 days of supported application and in-class coaching 
• $3,000 for each group up to 5 educators plus $150/educator for asynchronous component 
• includes access to SIWI online modules and instructional materials
• email siwi@utk.edu to set up PD

OPTION 3: Online (asynchronous modules with synchronous meetings)

• for individuals or school programs 
• 12 hours of asynchronous PD
• 7 hours of optional viewing of examples
• 11 hours of synchronous meetings
• $500/educator (financial assistance is available)
• includes access to SIWI online modules and instructional materials
• click here to get on our mailing list

Contact us at siwi@utk.edu to discuss which option is best suited for your program. 

Coaching

Coaching is provided during the school year, with 3 sessions recommended per semester. It involves individualized or small group support to teachers in their teaching/learning contexts. It may include collaboratively planning lessons and units, setting up classroom spaces for implementation, evaluating students’ writing samples to set appropriate objectives, or co-teaching lessons. 

Coaching is $250 per 1 hour consultation (online or in person) with 1-3 teachers. 

Customized PD Sessions

Customized professional development sessions are offered to school programs on various topics. Sessions range from 30 minutes to 3 hours, or can be individually tailored to meet the needs of the school program. 

Topics include:

• An overview of SIWI driving principles
• A summary of SIWI research and trajectory
• An overview of the Language Zone and how to meet students’ various language needs
• Writing and language assessment & setting instructional objectives
• Group interactive writing
• Strategy instruction for writing process and skills
• Guided, shared, and independent writing
• Integrating English and/or ASL mentor text
• Planning a SIWI unit
• SIWI implementation Q&A

Customized PD sessions are $250 per hour. Contact us at siwi@utk.edu to schedule.

Advanced Workshop

The advanced workshop is available following the completion of the introductory workshop and at least one year of SIWI implementation. It is designed to deepen a teacher’s understanding of SIWI principles and to enhance their implementation of SIWI. Participants are expected to bring at least one videotaped SIWI unit to the workshop. A SIWI unit begins with the initial lesson establishing purpose and audience and concludes with the students’ publication. Videotapes are used for teacher reflection and analysis only and will not be shared. 

Contact us at siwi@utk.edu for more information about the advanced workshop.