WITS Helps Schools Reach Their Goals of Teaching Writing Across the Disciplines

Writers in the Schools (WITS) employs poets, fiction writers, essayists, graphic novelists, journalists and playwrights to teach semester-long writing residencies in Portland’s public high schools. In addition to getting students excited about reading and writing, WITS provides professional development for teachers, visits with world famous authors, and books, tickets and transportation for high school groups to attend Portland Arts & Lectures.

How WITS Serves Local Writers

Writers in the Schools hires professional writers to teach creative writing in Portland’s public high schools and several alternative programs. WITS trains writers prior to placement, and provides ongoing professional development opportunities for its writers.

WITS Annual Report

WITS Works

Last year WITS served more than 2,800 Portland high school students by teaching writing, extending literary experiences beyond the classroom, publishing student work, and coordinating student readings throughout the city. Read more about the work of Writers in the Schools and about WITS sponsors and evaluations in our annual report (or you can download the WITS report here).
 

WITS College Mentoring Events

Call for Volunteers!

Writers in the Schools (WITS) recently began partnering with Susan Bartley at Franklin High School on a College Essay Mentoring Project. This November, our volunteer mentors will work with students at Franklin, Madison, and Roosevelt High Schools. This is an invitation for you to join us as a volunteer mentor! To participate, please download the mentor application, which includes the days and times of the training and mentoring sessions. We would welcome your help at one, two, or all three of these events. The time commitment is small and the rewards are resounding. If you have any questions, please email Mel Wells at mel@literary-arts.org, or by calling 503-227-2583 x105.