This is what past participants had to say about English 710:

"The instructor really helped us with our writing and learning to be free with our writing. The workshop experience was so liberating and empowering."

"I really enjoyed this course and learned a lot."

"I wouldn't have written what I did without this course. I always put off writing because I think it won't be any good. Now, I feel like I can write."

"The instructor was a wealth of knowledge and inspiration."

"I enjoyed the memoir section tremendously. Kim was very kind and informative. I think this class should be offered for those who want to take it. it was very valuable for writing."

"I haven't written creatively in 13 years. This course has motivated me to start again."

"Our group was smoldering when we arrived. We left on fire for poetry."

"Jimmy, Adrienne, Kimberly were all insightful, professional, genuinely human. Continue this program and bring this trio back."

"Extremely stimulating and knowledgeable."

"I have a new approach to teaching -- expose students to more accessible poetry, not just the classics. And the instructor have us plenty of contemporary examples."

"The instructor created a relaxed, comfortable yet incredibly challenging class environment. Putting egos aside, the teacher exuded the belief, knowledge & truth that there is room for all our voices --Wow! What a gift!"

"I feel that this class has changed my life, deepened my experience and inspired me to keep writing."

"This course made a phenomenal difference in the course of my life's work. I got to write the first chapter of my first novel, and I wouldn't have it now by August if I didn't workshop it here and get the best feedback on ANYTHING I have ever written. This novel will be seen out there someday and will be a fire that never burns out even when my life finally does, because of this week."

"Oh my god! I've never had an instructor like this before in my life....open, honest, brash....and absolutely amazing."

"The instructor was unbelievably flexible and accepting of everyone (and what a diverse group it was!). Stimulation was abundant -- bouncing off the walls."

Comments by K-12 teachers who have taken English 717:

"Dr. Mack was engaging and enthusiastic. She provided ample models and sparked so many ideas and possibilities for my teaching. She had a terrific rapport with all of us, taking the time to get to know us and making sure our needs and concerns were being addressed. . . . . She also taught me that “publishing” writing wasn't just “cute,” but that it is actually an extension of the writing and the thinking about the writing."

"Nancy’s sense of humor added tremendously to her instruction. As a teacher, she helped me become a better learner, and as a result I will be a better teacher."

"Wow! Each of the four instructors was well prepared, thorough, and excited about teaching. Materials were vital, well chosen, and numerous. I learned far more about aspects of writing about which I thought “I knew it all.” Their instruction helped me make a quantum leap in my writing."

"This is the best class I’ve taken as a teacher. Everything we learned was applicable information. There was great class participation. All issues were addressed."

"Very organized, very well planned—the explanations were thorough and very clear. My questions were requested and answered. I was treated with a lot of respect. This is the second time I have taken this course—I learned a lot both times."

"I am so glad we didn’t just sit, listen to lectures and take notes like in so many other graduate classes! It was a very pleasant surprise to find out how exciting the format was on the first day and it continued throughout the class! The writing prompts, writing process mini lessons, publishing ideas and so many other things we learned were fabulous! I really enjoyed this class."

"Once again, the institute has taught, motivated, inspired and refreshed me, as a writer and a teacher--beyond my expectations."

"I felt that the course was extremely informative and gave many different ways to answer age-old teaching problems. Nancy was open and even encouraged questions and alternative views. It seemed that the goal was for students to take away what they felt most effective and adapt it to their personal teaching style."

Here's what previous participants say about English 780:

"What a great experience this workshop was! Both instructors were excellent. They kept the class moving with creative activities that can be used in my classroom."

"Rich Bullock and Linda Augustus were amazingly wonderful instructors. They are both obviously experts in the areas of teaching and assessment. They stimulated thought through assigned readings, responses, discussions, and 'reflection cards,' and they demonstrated their theories through actual lessons that they modeled (and we participated in also). They respected all opinions and encouraged us to share with each other. My teaching and assessing methods will change in several dramatic ways as a result of this class. I feel excited and re-energized to begin school in the fall."

"Great interactive instruction. Lots of ideas I've never seen before."

"I can't wait to use the information I've gained in this course."

"This was a fabulous, eye-opening, challenging class."

"It was so much better than any course I've taken because it gave ideas that are tried, tested, and useful, and the classmates were experienced professionals who had a lot to share as well."

"I wish I would have taken this class sooner."