As we wind down the year and move through this season of change—of time, weather, and rhythm—we hope you’re finding moments for reflection, rest, and comfort. This time of year reminds us of how our worlds converge and diverge, and how much care it takes to navigate all that we hold. It challenges us to consider the spaces we take up, the responses we offer, and the pauses in between. 

Last month, we had the joy of gathering for our Write Out event at Settlers Cabin Park, where participants joined park rangers for a guided walk and reflective writing experience surrounded by nature. We also celebrated the National Day of Writing, reaching over 300 students and educators across the region. These gatherings are a powerful reminder of the ways writing continues to connect and inspire our communities. 

As always, we encourage you to stay connected, share this newsletter widely, and join us at our upcoming events. 

With gratitude, 

Khirsten L. Scott, PhD 

As always, thank you for taking the time to receive and review this newsletter. We are grateful to be in community with you. Feel free to share this information with others.

If you have any updates, ideas, and/or concerns, we’d like to hear from you. Email us at wpwp@pitt.edu.

The Western Pennsylvania Writing Project is seeking Writing Facilitators to co- design and co-lead our 2026 Young Writers Institute (YWI) at the University of Pittsburgh. YWI is scheduled to take place June 22-30, 2026 with a celebratory showcase on July 1, 2026.

We will accept applications through November 15, 2025.  

🤔 What: Just Desserts
📅 When: December 13, 2025, from 5 - 7 p.m.
📍 Where:See RSVP form for more details

Mark your calendars for Just Desserts!

Expect a cozy atmosphere with a selection of hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Feel free to bring a favorite treat to share, or simply come to enjoy the spread provided.  

After mingling and snacking, we’ll settle in for an informal read-around—bring a piece of writing to share, or just sit back and listen. Passing is always an option, and the atmosphere will be warm, fun, and relaxed. 

We can’t wait to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the season together. See you there! 

🤔 What: Scholastic Writing Awards – Pittsburgh Region 

Hosted by Point Park University Honors Program and Western PA Writing Project 

We are looking for passionate and committed advocates for youth literacy to serve as judges for the Scholastic Writing Awards for the Pittsburgh Region! Local writers, teachers, faculty, supporters of literacy and those who champion youth voices are encouraged to act as judges for this prestigious writing competition.

🤔 What: Ten Evenings
📍 Where: Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
📅 When: Select dates through May 2026. Click here for more information.

We are excited to share that we are partnering with Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures, PAL, this fall! In collaboration with PAL, we invite the WPWP community to attend the Ten Evenings series. The Speakers are as follows:

Beth Macy: December 8, 2025 

Calvin Duncan and Sophie Cull: February 9, 2026 

Sunil Amrith: March 2, 2026 

Angela Flournoy: March 23, 2026 

Merlin Sheldrake: April 13, 2026 

Michael Chabon: May 11, 2026   

Use this form to indicate what event(s) you are interested in attending! Please note, availability is limited. Filling out the interest form does not confirm the request. Your selection will be interpreted as an RSVP. We will contact you directly with confirmation closer to the event!  

The Western Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of English is seeking WPWP Fellows to serve as judges for the upcoming Poetry Slam Competition! Celebrate student creativity and help amplify young voices! 

Date: Thursday, April 9

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Beaver Area High School 

Lunch and T-Shirt provided! 

For event details and judging info visit the website below.

Questions? Contact Katie Katkich, Slam Coordinator, at kkatkich@centralvalleysd.net 

In addition to the Poetry Slam Competition, WPCTE will be hosting a fall book cluband the WPCTE Spring Conference with keynote Penny Kittle! Check out the WPCTE website to learn more and register!

The RUFF Writers project of New Sun Rising is looking for school-based collaborators to pilot a multi-generational “Memory Café” project for libraries that involves reading, crafting, conversations and writing to gather small, positive life stories on nature-themed book pages.  

We hope to find teachers and school districts that can add another dimension by adding about a 15 minute time each month for children to create a "quick write" (RUFF draft) based on a picture book that can be placed on reserve in your community's public library.  

Also, we are looking for classroom teachers who want to build relationships with senior care facilities in their communities for children to engage either after-school in person or by sharing copies of positive life stories. (For ideas, see sample PDF at the bottom of the project page at: http://www.newsunrising.org/project/ruff-writer-books/) 

The project is founded by retired teacher/journalist “Grammar” Jane Miller, a 2009 Western Pennsylvania Writing Project fellow. Contact Jane at ruffwriterbooks@gmail.com. 

Teach Plus is currently hiring a Pennsylvania Education Leaderhship Coach! The full job description and application details can be accessed here. 

Teach Plus is a national nonprofit whose mission is to empower excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that advance equity, opportunity, and student access. 

🤔 What: Exploring Identity: Teen Voices
📅 When: January 31, 2026
📍 Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Hear powerful digital stories created by Pittsburgh teens – refugee, immigrant, African American, and Jewish – as they share how they define themselves.

If you have an event or opportunity to share with the WPWP community, let us know! We’d love to feature it in our next newsletter. 

We are continually enhancing our communication methods by addressing any gaps in contact information. Please complete the contact form below if you haven’t already. We encourage you to share it with others who might be interested in re/connecting with the WPWP network.