Learning & Networking Opportunities
The Upper Valley has so many wonderful PBEE professional development opportunities. Find them all here.
If you would like to submit your own event, please contact us here.
-
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 -
ForestKinder 2019 Outdoor Play and Learning Professional Learning Community
The PreK and Elementary Weekly Forest Day idea is well rooted and sprouting throughout Vermont. If you are interested in connecting with the Upper Valley community of educators engaged in taking students out for frequent immersive nature play and learning please consider joining our ForestKinder 2019 Professional Learning Community.Meg Teachout and Eliza Minnucci facilitate a series of gatherings throughout the 2019-2020 school year focused on developing and supporting teachers committed to cultivating outdoor experiences for their preK and elementary students.The Details:Nine Sessions (22 PD hours)– songs, activities, group sharing, site visits, focused discussionSeptember-May 2019-2020Dinner Provided$250 – $200 if you enroll before June 15thoptional Antioch University Graduate Credit ($400)Please open the attached flyer for more information.School/teaching teams are encouraged to attend together.The Outdoor Play and Learning PLC is enrollment dependent and spaces are limited. Get in touch soon to enroll!Location: Upper Valley
Due Date: Varies -
Education for Sustainability Institute
July 29 – Aug 1, 2019 (9am – 4pm)
$560 for 4-day, 32 hr course (add’l $450 for 3 credits through Antioch New England)
Teacher Center at Riverside School in Lyndonville, VT
REGISTER TODAY
DESCRIPTION
How can schools be a key player in nurturing environmentally and socially vital and equitable communities? Education for Sustainability acknowledges and addresses the gap between this vision for the future and the ability of our current education system to get us there. In this institute, you will explore strategies for engaging learners in experiences that build their capacity and identity as agents of change.
This course focuses on the interdependence of environment, economy and equity (the three Es of Educating for Sustainability) and how we can incorporate sustainability at any grade level and in every subject area. As educators, we have the opportunity to model sustainable practices, to open our students’ minds to the possibilities of a sustainable future and to help guide them to be responsible citizens for change in their communities.
Designed to be dynamic and democratic, the Institute offers teachers and administrators the time and space to develop projects of personal interest while providing opportunities to learn from colleagues and other leaders in field of Education for Sustainability. Interactive sessions will feature a blend of individual work time, peer-to-peer feedback, resource sharing, hands-on learning experiences, and large and small group discussions. Our overall goal is to ensure participants have the opportunity to develop connections between curriculum and community, work and dialogue together, and reflect in an inspiring setting that models sustainability and systems-thinking.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Gain familiarity with and practice the skills to apply Education for Sustainability (EFS) as a unifying framework for education that helps students contribute to creating a healthy economic, social and environmental future for their communities.
- Build knowledge about community sustainability efforts, resources, and opportunities to integrate them into curriculum.
- Use the big ideas of sustainability as a lens through which to meet standards-based curriculum and assessment goals and address school initiatives.
- Practice using curriculum planning tools to integrate EFS
- Collaboratively develop, present, and evaluate a curriculum unit that uses the Big Ideas of Sustainability as integrative concepts.
- Build awareness of a variety of techniques to use as part of student reflection and educator resilience.
- Deepen understanding of complex systems and systems dynamics in social and ecological contexts.
- Be part of a learning community providing each other feedback, resources and suggestions.
Due Date: Varies -
Joint Growing Up Wild and PLT Early Childhood Environmental Experiences
Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children and Project Learning Tree’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood, are supplementary educational programs for young learners designed to connect children ages 3 – 7 with nature and wildlife. Workshop participants will have an opportunity to do sample activities from both programs that foster critical early childhood skill development and tap into children’s sense of wonder about nature and the wildlife around them. Integrate art, music, science, reading, math, and much more in nature-based activities Support developmentally appropriate practice Correlated to National Association for the Education of Young Children Standards and Head Start Domains For more information contact: Mary Goodyear mary.goodyear@wildlife.nh.gov or Judy Silverberg info@nhplt.org
Location: Tilton, New Hampshire
Event date: Jun 28 -
Nature-based Early Childhood Curriculum
Nature preschools and forest kindergartens have a unique approach to curriculum that differs from conventional indoor early childhood centers. This course will focus on the distinctive elements for outdoor programming for children aged three to six. Topics will include the value of unstructured play, fostering independence, nature and language development, the balance of indoors and outdoors experience, interfacing with the conventional elementary curriculum in literacy, math and science, developing routines and seasonal rhythms, and connecting curriculum to the community.
Provided by Antioch University New England. Taught by Eliza Minucci.
Location: Antioch University New England
Event date: Jul 8 -
Climate Resiliency Fellowship
The Climate Resiliency Fellowship is a year-long professional learning opportunity for educators committed to learning and teaching about climate change through interdisciplinary and place-based approaches. Educators apply to attend as school teams of 2-4 educators and work together to design and implement interdisciplinary climate change education and service learning projects back at school. The Fellowship is primarily suited for educators working with students in grades 6-12.
Teams work together to create authentic service learning projects that are shaped by youth interest and voice. During our seasonal sessions and check-ins we use new lenses to explore climate change education through arts integration, STEM learning, and solutions-based approaches. Educator teams are supported throughout the year by the network of educators, program facilitators, and regional partners. This program kicks off in July 2019 with a summer gathering and culminates with a spring celebration in April 2020.
Location: Shelburne, Vermont
Event date: Jul 15