Frequently Asked Questions


We regret to inform you that we find it necessary to postpone our Writing Educator’s Symposium indefinitely.

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Why Should I Come to the Writing Educator’s Symposium?
There are many possible answers to this question! Here are a few reasons we believe the Writing Educator’s Symposium is a “can’t miss” occasion:

  • This conference is designed to equip and empower you as a writing educator by giving you the opportunity to hear from excellent and experienced teachers and authors. If you want to become better at helping students grow as thinkers and communicators, then the Writing Educator’s Symposium is for you. Don’t miss out on our remarkable line-up of speakers! (See the “Speakers” category of this blog for more information.)
  • Whatever your interests are as a writing teacher, the Writing Educator’s Symposium has something to offer through our four well-rounded workshop tracks:
    • Reading and Writing for Primaries and Special Needs
    • School and Group Teachers
    • Advanced Writing Models
    • And for those who are new to IEW, six sessions of Teaching Writing: Structure and Style
  • The conference location is the beautiful University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, MN (view the UST website at www.stthomas.edu). This is a perfect place to relax, rejuvenate, and reflect on your goals as a writing educator.
  • Last, but certainly not least: the Writing Educator’s Symposium provides you with an opportunity meet and mingle with other writing teachers and be encouraged by a community of people passionate about cultivating excellent writers.

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When and Where will you offer the next Writing Educator’s Symposium? Location: TBD – Tentative Dates: No dates as of now

Are you recording the sessions, and can I purchase a copy? Yes, we do plan to record the seminars, with audio talks available for purchase at the event for a discounted price or on our website a few months after the event.

Where can I get more information about IEW’s Instructor Accreditation program? The Institute for Excellence in Writing’s Instructor Accreditation program was officially introduced at the 2008 Writing Educator’s Symposium. Our accredited instructors, who have been trained by Andrew Pudewa (or an authorized agent) and are able to demonstrate competence and experience in teaching writing using the Structure and Style Writing Method may become accredited and receive 40% off of IEW events, including the Writing Educator’s Symposium! For more information, click here.

Is there a price break if I am commuting? For commuters, the Symposium cost is $50.00 less than regular registration with meals still provided.

What is the additional charge if I do not want to share a room? Regular rooms and the corresponding price are for double occupancy.  If you wish to have a room to yourself, you may do so for an additional cost of $75.

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Are there discounts available? The $479 Symposium price ($379 if you register by June 1) includes not only the conference costs, but your three-night stay at the lovely University of St. Thomas, as well as all of your meals while you are there. This way, you don’t have to hassle with all the details of local lodging, rental cars, and eating out: it’s all provided for you on a beautiful campus. Also, you will have the opportunity to hear from a line-up of excellent speakers who are coming from far and wide to be at this event. The chance to interact with these speakers together at one conference is truly remarkable, and you won’t want to miss it! Special discount pricing available for IEW Accredited Instructors (40% off!), college students (save $50!), and groups of 5 or more registering together (save $50 each!) reducing the already low cost to be even lower!  Click here to register!

How can I register for WES? Registration here: https://IEW.com/events

Conference, or Vacation? While we do expect the plenary sessions and workshops to enrich the mind, we anticipate that the meals and times of relaxing will nourish the body and soul. We hope you are as excited about this opportunity to refresh and relax as we are!

Is there housing available on campus before the conference begins? Yes, those who wish may arrive on campus Sunday night.  The cost would be $50 per person with no meals provided.  (You may purchase meals in the cafeteria.)

Will you be providing shuttle service from local airports? Yes, we will be providing shuttle service at various times (bring a good book to read while you wait!) for a modest fee from and to the following airports on Sunday PM, Monday AM, and Thursday afternoon: More information coming soon! Enrolled participants will be contacted with more information.

Is there an opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) at this event? We are pleased to be able to offer up to two CEUs for the 20+ hours you will spend in sessions at the Writing Educator’s Symposium.  These will be issued by Morningside College in Iowa at a cost of $30 per unit. More information coming soon! We will issue certificates and collect the fees associated with this certification at the close of the event.

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