Educators from the University of Wisconsin-Superior have been invited to attend and present at the annual Lake Superior Summit on Friday, February 28.

The Lake Superior Summit gathers instructors from the Twin Ports and surrounding areas to exchange ideas on teaching writing and literacy. Representatives from high schools, community colleges and universities examine writing and pedagogy at every level.

In the ever-changing world of academia, it is important for these instructors to come together and discuss current concerns. This summit serves as a platform for educators to celebrate their successes and share best practices with their professional community.

Jayson Iwen from the Writing, Language, and Literature Department holds the event in high regard.

“It’s really been a fantastic experience,” says Iwen. “It builds a sense of community with other educators in the region. I particularly enjoy meeting high school teachers and learning about their challenges and adaptations to the shifting educational landscape. Knowing what they’re doing in their classrooms can have a really positive impact on what we do in ours, when their students graduate and come to us.”

Several educators from UWS plan to share their ideas at the summit. Heather McGrew, Julie Gard, Beth Grbavcich and Shilo Morlang, all from the Writing, Language, and Literature Department, will each present.

Other presenters from UW-Superior include Eleni Pinnow from the Human Behavior, Justice, and Diversity Department, Beth Austin from the Communicating Arts Department and Elizabeth Maeshima from the Center for Continuing Education.

The idea for the summit grew out of the collaborative relationship between the writing programs at UWS and the University of Minnesota Duluth. Discussions between Jamie White-Farnham, UW-Superior interim academic program director/special assistant to the provost, and David Beard from UMD set the idea in motion.

The concept gained interest throughout the region, drawing numerous education-based institutions together to plan the first summit in 2014. Each institution takes turns hosting the event. This year, the summit will be hosted by UMD.

Initially, instructors were required to pay an entrance fee. However, due to generous donations from colleges and universities, the event is now free to attend.

“There are always enlightening takeaways from every summit,” said Iwen. “My impression is that everyone leaves the summit with much more confidence than when they arrived.”

By Olivia Fleming, English major and student writer for UWS.