Learning & Networking Opportunities
The Upper Valley has so many wonderful PBEE professional development opportunities. Find them all below.
We also have a number of educators willing to host other teachers for site visits. Learn more here!
If you would like to submit your own event, please contact us here.
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Independent Study in Science Instruction
Fall and Spring Semesters
Flexible and Teacher Dependent
VINS Nature Center, Quechee, VTThis graduate level course supports teachers in the implementation and practice of the Next Generation Science Standards and is delivered as an extension to the VINS School Program. As an independent study, this course is centered on the needs of individual teachers and is flexible to adapt to their individual goals. We will focus on how we can use the NGSS to help students engage with the world around them as scientists and engineers. We will explore the NGSS in depth, identify the implications for instruction, find connections between CCSS and the NGSS, develop lessons aligned with the NGSS and reflect on the implementation of the NGSS in your classroom. This course is designed for teachers in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Location: In-Person + Online/Independent Format
Due Date: Varies -
Specialized Inquiry into Practice
Continuous learning through deliberate practice is the hallmark of an educator’s journey towards expert performance. Specialized Inquiry into Practice is designed to provide individualized, one-on-one support, through professional goal setting and coaching, for educators working towards specific goals. Educators may work towards any designated competency.
Location: Upper Valley Educator's Institute
Due Date: Varies -
In Bloom Conferences
Promising Practices in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education
Antioch University New England will host three In Bloom conferences this spring on Saturdays a month apart.
In the beginning, In Bloom conferences catered to teachers of children between the ages of 3 and 6, but children grow up, so we’re catching up! There’s been an interesting upward migration in New England schools as the result of successful nature-based early childhood initiatives. Children continue to want outdoor learning as they move up through the grades. First-, second- and third grade students look out the window at kindergarteners learning outside and long for the sunshine on their faces and sticks in their hands. Preschool teachers now help their upper grade colleagues learn how to teach math in the woods and how to encourage learning outdoors. And so the doors open up and the school gets turned inside out. Our In Bloom workshops will be geared to preschool through third grade, so please invite your elementary teacher colleagues. We’ve got exciting new keynote speakers this year from around the country and a host of new workshop presenters from each region, along with some old favorites. We’ll also continue to spotlight the work of Antioch New England faculty members who teach in the Nature-based Early Childhood Certificate program.
Maine– April 18
Massachusetts– May 16
Vermont– June 13Location: varies
Due Date: Varies -
Science, Nature Play & Learning PLC
This is a 3-session series (15 hours total) for childcare providers and educators preK-Grade 3. The first meeting will take place on Feb 29th, 2020. Subsequent meetings will be on March 28th, 2020 and April 25th, 2020. Each session will run from 8:30-1:30 and a light lunch will be provided. The fee to enroll in all 3 sessions is $60.00, with an option to earn graduate credit for an additional fee. For more info, please contact Elly: elly@fwni.org
Location: Varies
Event date: Feb 29 -
ABCs of Farm-based Education
Are you looking to build a farm-based education program, or inspire your existing programming? At this workshop, you’ll fill your toolbox with kid-tested, educator approved activities, as you join a community of peers from around the region. Spend three days in hands-on, discussion and activity-based learning and explore Shelburne Farms’ dairy, farmyard, garden, and forest classrooms. Experience activities from Shelburne Farms’ publications Project Seasons and Cultivating Joy and Wonder as we discuss ways to engage school groups and farm visitors. In addition to activity sharing and program development, we’ll discuss tips for creating a safe learning environment and will have ample time for getting to know one another and our respective farm-based education sites.
Location: Shelburne Farms
Event date: Mar 27 -
Food Connects Farm to School Conference
Food Connects Annual Farm to School Conference will be held on April 8, 2020 at the SIT Campus in Brattleboro, VT. Join us that day to hear from regional Farm to School experts and harness inspiration for your school’s Farm to School programming.
Location: School for International Training, Brattleboro Vermont
Event date: Apr 8