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.
2008 - 2009:
Community H.S. - Ann Arbor, MI - Jeff Kass will teach,
Thurston Elementary School - Ann Arbor, MI - Matt Bell 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 school’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.
|
DWIRP TITLES
Blip! Finding the
Write Moment
They Came from Murphy Island
Wednesdays at 3:00
The Star to
Finish the Sky |
