The DU Writers in the Schools Program seeks to cultivate a creative, intuitive, and dynamic learning experience for all students through the implementation of poetry, prose, and imagination throughout Denver schools. As guest teachers and creative writers, The Writers in the Schools Program supplements materials that may not be accessible to grade schools.
The program has been revived by Dr. Kelly Krumrie during winter quarter of 2023. The Writers in the Schools class allows English students to engage with hands-on, community learning and career development.
This project was funded by DU Grand Challenges and the Center for Community Engagement to Advance Scholarship and Learning, allowing us further develop the Writers in the Schools Program during spring quarter of 2023. We have been working in partnership with the Ricks Center for Gifted Children to teach creative writing and hope to expand our outreach in the future.
About Us
Scholar, Writer, TeacherLydia McCann
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Scholar, Writer, TeacherHayley SayreHayley is a second-year English major concentrating in English education and minoring in mathematics. She works as a librarian substitute for Westminster Public Libraries. Currently, she is collaborating with Ricks Center for Gifted Children to teach creative writing to their third grade class as a part of the Writers in the Schools program. She also helps as a proofreader for DU's literary journal, Denver Quarterly.
She spends most of her free time with her dog, Gatsby, reading, writing, listening to music, and doing her math homework. Hayley starts DU's dual degree program in the Fall of 2023, pursuing a master's in secondary English education. She plans to continue her education for the rest of her life. She hopes her experience working with Ricks will improve her abilities as an educator and as a lifelong scholar of English literature and language. |
Scholar, Writer, TeacherMario MeloMario Melo is graduating from undergrad with a Bachelor's in Journalism, before beginning his Master's in English and Literary Studies in the Fall of 2023. Mario works at the DU Writing Center as a writing consultant, while assisting with their social media efforts. Part of his work at the Writing Center revolves around the podcast, Center Voices. He is currently working with the Ricks Center for Gifted Children to spread the power of creative writing through the Writers in the Schools Program. Mario enjoys writing poetry, reading literary theory, and spending time outside during their free time.
Mario plans to use their experience working with the Ricks Center to further their experience as an educator. He is starting graduate school in the Fall of 2023 to continue his work with literary studies before studying for his PhD, in the hopes of becoming a university professor. |
Creative Writing in a New Context
The Writers in the Schools Program seeks to apply the benefits of creative writing and poetry to students’ learning to enrich their social, artistic, and educational spheres. As college students and artists who come into classrooms as guest speakers, we can uniquely captivate their attention. Many children have trouble accessing artistic outlets and we want to provide them with accessible resources.
The WITS Program is symbiotic–we are growing in our relevant teaching practices for our careers and kids learn creative writing from artists, to allow for the exploration and improvement of their skills. |
Ricks Center For Gifted Children, University of Denver
2040 S York St, Denver Denver, CO 80210 |