Seven Bridges Summer Writing Institute Reignites Educators’ Passion for Writing
The Seven Bridges Summer Writing Institute returned this year for a powerful three-day professional learning experience that brought together local educators who are committed to strengthening their craft as writers and teachers of writing.
A collaboration between the AVƵ’s Silverfield College of Education and Human Services and the College of Arts and Sciences, the institute offered participants space to explore their identities as writers while developing strategies to help students find their own writing voices.
The 2025 keynote speaker, Jessica McLin of River City Science Academy, described the experience as both enriching and inspiring. “It was refreshing to be part of a professional learning opportunity where educators dedicated to exploring their identities as writers were reintroduced to the love of writing,” McLin shared. “Each day, I left the workshop with a renewed commitment to writing as a practice, not just for my students, but for myself.”
The institute was led by Dr. Elizabeth Hale, Dr. Ash Faulkner and Dr. Kadesh Lauridsen, with additional sessions hosted by Dr. Nile Stanley and Dr. Will Pewitt. The program’s unique structure allows participants to fully immerse themselves in writing, engaging in authentic, voice-driven exercises while reflecting on how to create similar opportunities for their students.
For McLin, serving as both keynote speaker and participant added depth to the experience. “It was humbling to stand in front of a room full of passionate educators and share the importance of helping students develop their own voice in their writing,” she said. “When we truly allow students to experiment with language and develop their own identity in writing, we are teaching them that their thoughts, experiences and perspectives are valuable.”
Sessions encouraged educators to consider writing as more than an academic exercise, positioning it as a meaningful form of self-expression that can connect students to their communities and the world. “Writing with voice gives purpose to the writing process,” McLin explained. “It becomes a way for students to express who they are, what they believe in and what they care about.”
By the end of the three days, participants left with renewed motivation, practical classroom strategies and a stronger connection to their own writing practice. “This workshop reinforced how beautiful it is to put words to paper and be reminded of why we as teachers love writing,” McLin reflected. “I left the experience inspired, motivated and grateful for the honor of being both an educator and a writer.”
