Split P, our MFA program’s signature creative writing outreach, offers MFA students a unique opportunity to hone their teaching skills and gives local kids the chance to learn directly from emerging writers in their own city. Split P fellows are selected each fall, and throughout the year they visit English and Language Arts classrooms in local public elementary schools. Fellows have freedom to design their own lessons, but the group also meets every few months to share experiences and ideas. The Split P fellowship is open to all MFA students, including those with no prior teaching experience.
If you are an educator or a prospective MFA applicant who would like to know more about the Split P program, contact Liz Countryman at countrym@mailbox.sc.edu.
Testimonials from past Split P fellows:
"Split P was my first introduction to teaching writing. The students were always engaged and excited to learn about poetry and fiction, and it made me excited to teach them. This led to some of the most creative works that I have ever heard from ages that ranged from 7-10. Without Split P, I'm not sure I would have developed the confidence to teach anyone. I'm glad this has been a part of my life."
Michal Sextion (MFA 2027)
“I always leave Split P feeling so much joy! It’s my favorite thing to tell friends and family about when I talk to them about the MFA program. I love getting to talk about poetry with kids and I love getting to hear the things they write.”
Ciara Orness (MFA 2026)
"Split P was one of my favorite parts of the MFA program. The ability to share the joy of reading and writing with grade school children was encouraging for the children and inspiring for me. Our sessions were super special to the children in that they were different than what they normally would do and exposed them to all sorts of beauty and creativity; it helped them gain confidence and practice essential literacy skills. I only wish I could keep doing the program post-graduation! The funding was also an important financial addition to grad student life. I am so grateful for my time at Split P and hope many more MFAs are able to experience it!"
Michelle Chin (MFA 2025)
"Split P was hugely beneficial to my education at the University of South Carolina. Working with grade school children, sharing literature and creating a space for them to explore their creativity, pushed me to approach literature, creative writing, and teaching in more innovative ways. I loved that we were able to have multiple sessions throughout the year with the same class. I was able to invest more time and effort in creating lesson plans specifically for those students, and watching them grow more confident in themselves, improve their analytical skills, and become more experienced writers was a highlight of my time at USC. Split P also opened doors for my career; because of my experience working with grade school children through this program, I was able to get a summer job teaching creative writing as a lead teacher, utilizing the skills I learned over the years. I always tell incoming MFA students that the Split P program is invaluable (and so fun), and I'm excited to see how it continues to grow!"
Maddie Clevenstine (MFA 2025)
“Split P has been such a fun, rewarding opportunity. It allowed me to get creative and playful with my teaching and has helped me generate useful creative writing exercises for writers of all ages. I look forward to it every year.”
Matt Mossman (MFA 2016)
“Split P has enabled me to see how my creative writing endeavors function as an integral part of the community.”
Anna Barry (MFA 2016)
“It’s a different and useful kind of teaching pressure to learn how to negotiate. Kids are so purely creative, because they haven’t learned they shouldn’t be. That makes the experience kind of crazy but a ton of fun.”
Chris Koslowski (MFA 2016)
“It’s exciting and refreshing to see the joy these kids find in writing. I enjoy it as much as the kids do.”
Justin Brouckaert (MFA 2016)