EDUCATION

Dzanc Books is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing literacy in Michigan's youth through its educational outreach program, The Dzanc Writer in Residence Program (DWIRP). Since its inception in 2006, DWIRP continues to work toward developing writing programs throughout the State, and beyond.

2007:

Paul Toth (Fizz, and Fishnet) taught a class in fiction writing at Community High School in Ann Arbor during the Spring semester, teaching various aspects of writing fiction to eleven students, nine of whom had stories published in Learning the Curve (2007, Dzanc Books).

2007 - 2008:

The Mack Open School - Ann Arbor, MI: Scott Beal will teach
Ypsilanti H.S. - Ypsilanti, MI: Barry Graham will teach
High School of Telecommunication and Technology - Brooklyn, NY: Diane Goettel will be teaching juniors and seniors two hours per week after school.

In future years, Dzanc will further expand DWIRP throughout Washtenaw and Wayne counties and beyond. At the conclusion of each program, Dzanc will publish a hard copy book edition comprising an anthologized collection of the participating students' work. Dzanc will distribute a complimentary edition of this book to every school library in the target school districts as well as providing each student participating in the program with a copy. DWIRP tutoring is led by published authors who have a passion for writing and teaching students to reach their full potential as writers.

During each school year, Dzanc intends to collectively tutor over 100 students. Most important, as opposed to many programs that involve writers tutoring students for one-time only workshops, Dzanc's authors will return to the same schools and students each week in order to build a relationship with students and fully embrace their potential. Students to be tutored by Dzanc's authors are selected by teachers who in consult with Dzanc, discuss and coordinate a plan of study that is integrated with the schoolâ€™s curriculum goals. Tutoring is conducted weekly with students, teachers, and Dzanc's authors determining speed of progress and strategies.

Dzanc Books takes tremendous pride in its commitment to community and the students throughout Michigan. As the only residency of its kind in Michigan that does not charge students or the schools for such a program, our Writer in Residency offers a unique relationship for students to work directly with professional writers; extending a one of a kind opportunity for the young writers of tomorrow. The chance for these students to improve their writing skills enhances not only their creative talents but their overall communication skills in all arenas. Dzanc Books has fantastic relationships with a great number of award-winning authors who are excited about becoming involved in these projects. It is our firm belief that continuing to develop and expand these relationships with the students and the schools is a key component in developing great literary and writing programs for Michigan.

All schools, 501s and educational programs who wish more information and/or to work with Dzanc or receive support fom Dzanc, should contact us at info@dzancbooks.org.