Program Overview

University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Education

The College of Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis offers a range of programs and initiatives focused on education and writing.

Gateway Writing Project

The Gateway Writing Project is a key component of the College of Education, offering various programs and services to support writing and education.

Writing Marathons

The Gateway Writing Project hosts writing marathons multiple times a year, providing an opportunity for participants to explore, write, and discuss their own writing. The model for the writing marathon is based on the work of Natalie Goldberg, who inspired the concept of writing marathons through her book "Writing Down the Bones." The basic protocol for the writing marathon involves writing, reading aloud to others, and responding with "thank you" after each reading.

• The writing marathon is focused on the writing act, rather than the writing product.
• It provides an opportunity for writers to engage in writing for the sake of writing, rather than for a specific outcome or product.
• The writing marathon can help writers tap into a world of enjoyment and creativity in writing that may not be accessible through traditional writing processes.

Key Elements of the Writing Marathon

• Time: The more time devoted to the writing, the better.
• Community: The writing marathon provides a sense of community and socializing among participants.
• Protocol: The basic protocol of writing, reading aloud, and responding with "thank you" is a key element of the writing marathon.
• Setting: The writing marathon can take place in a variety of settings, providing a unique and inspiring environment for writers.

Benefits of the Writing Marathon

• The writing marathon can help writers change and grow through the experience of writing and responding to others.
• It provides an opportunity for writers to respond to and be inspired by the work of others.
• The writing marathon can help build bonds and connections among participants, even among those who may not have otherwise interacted or connected.

Academic Courses

The College of Education offers various academic courses, including a Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing and a Writing Institute.

School In-service Programs

The College of Education also offers school in-service programs, providing professional development opportunities for educators.

Professional Learning

The College of Education offers a range of professional learning opportunities, including book studies, dinner and demo sessions, and conference presentations.

Writing Programs

The College of Education offers various writing programs, including Write Out, Write Outside Your Door, Writing Retreats, Writing Marathons, Winter Writers, and Writers @ Play(ce).