FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 29, 2016

For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115

Attendees of a previous ITQ workshop with West Virginia authors (seated, l-r) Rick Steelhammer,
Marie Manilla, and Edwin Daryl Michael

GLENVILLE, WV - Three authors of works set in West Virginia will be visiting Glenville State College on Tuesday, August 2, as part of a five-day workshop for 25 middle school teachers. The authors will discuss their work and how it relates to connecting subject content and local communities. The teachers of grades 6-8 who are attending the workshop are primarily instructors of reading, social studies, and math. Content material will include historical and informational texts that are specific to West Virginia. Participants will create and share cross-curricular lessons for the various resources they will receive for their classrooms.

The three authors include Christy Tuohey, Steve Kittner, and Rick Steelhammer. Tuohey is a graduate of Spencer High School and her work is based on her family history in Nicholas County and includes West Virginia’s move for statehood. Kittner grew up near Elkview and his book is set in that area. Steelhammer is a columnist/reporter for Charleston Gazette and has attended a similar workshop at GSC in the past.

Each author will give a short presentation about their work from inception to publication followed by a question/answer discussion. Later, the workshop attendees will convene in break-out groups according to the subject they teach to discuss lesson ideas for that subject based on each book and the authors will rotate through the groups to discuss and offer suggestions.

“We believe instructional materials with local connections are more relevant and engaging to students. This will be the fourth workshop in which we’ve used the WV-based approach and feedback supports our belief. Personal connections with the authors further enhance the materials for both teachers and their students,” said Project Director Janet Kerby.

The project is funded by an Improving Teacher Quality Grant through the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and involves the summer on-campus workshop, one follow-up day, and classroom mentoring visits.

In addition to the authors, others from GSC’s faculty ranks will be on hand including Dr. Melody Wise who is serving as lead instructor for the workshop, Dr. Shelly Ratliff, Dr. Art DeMatteo, and Professor Joseph Wood. Other Glenville State College instructors and attendees of previous workshops will be in attendance as well.