Learning & Networking Opportunities

Independent Study in Science Instruction

Fall and Spring Semesters
Flexible and Teacher Dependent
VINS Nature Center, Quechee, VT

This 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

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In Bloom: Promising Practices in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education

Antioch University New England will host three In Bloom conferences this spring. The first, In Bloom in Vermont, will be held on the third day of spring, March 23, 2019, at Academy Elementary School in Brattleboro. We’re well aware there will not be much in bloom in March, so this year we’ve assigned an “in bloom in snow” theme to the In Bloom in Vermont conference. We’ll be focusing on how to work with children outdoors in winter.

March 23- Vermont
April 27- Maine
June 8- Massachusetts

The Second conference, In Bloom in Maine: Promising Practices in Nature-based Early Childhood Education brings us back to Kittery, Maine, to work with the vibrant nature-based early childhood educators there. We look forward to a lovely warm spring day to celebrate the end of Earth Week! This conference has always filled to capacity, so plan to register early. Online registration is fairly simple, as we are now doing workshop sign-ups at morning registration instead of online.

In the past, In Bloom workshops have catered to teachers of children between the ages of 3 and 6, but children grow up, so we’re catching up! This year our workshops are geared to preschool through third grade, so invite your elementary teacher colleagues.

Location: Varies
Due Date: Varies

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Cultivating Farm to Early Childhood

Come explore Farm to Early Childhood (FTEC) programming with us!

Cultivating Farm to Early Childhood is an opportunity for you — Family Child Care, Head Start, Center-Based, Public Pre-K, and Home Visiting educators — to explore and expand your personal and professional experience related to food and nutrition programming while building and strengthening community connections.

You’ll immerse yourself in hands-on, child-centered learning experiences like making humus, taste testing, and wool felting! We’ll align activities with practical discussions for community networking with local farmers and food system experts to build your FTEC knowledge and practices. Learn how FTECconcepts help meet multiple standards across licensing, CACFP, VELS, and STARS by promoting children’s learning, social emotional well-being, healthy eating habits, family engagement, and community building.This training workshop counts for both BFIS and CACFP training hours.

Location: Shelburne, Vermont
Application due: Mar 27

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Project WET Educators’ Workshop

Calling all New Hampshire teachers grades 4 through 7 and environmental educators!The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services will be conducting a one-dayProject WET (Water Education for Teachers) workshop.

• Learn about water science – watersheds, land use changes and green design
• Become certified as a Project WET Educator!
• Obtain STEM-based activities to increase student understanding of resource issues
• Apply lessons to your curriculum using interactive and integrated methods

Location: Manchester, NH
Event date: Mar 29

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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.  We typically host our ABC’s of Farm-Based Education workshop twice a year; in the Spring & Fall.   Read more about ABCs on our blog.

Location: Shelburne, Vermont
Event date: Mar 31

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Upper Valley Linkages for Environmental Literacy

Experience place-based science education professional development.

Experience place-based science education professional development.Upper Valley Linkages for Environmental Literacy supports K-12 teachers in science curriculum development and implementation by connecting them to a vast network of environmental educators, scientists, and researchers who serve as content specialists and community resources. UVLEL will fund eight New Hampshire and Vermont teachers in 2019-20 to create or improve instructional units integrating the Next Generation Science Standardsand Common Core, using environmental education as the frame for investigating issues that have meaning for students in their own communities. We want participants to share their interest in the natural world and their excitement about science learning and discovery both with each other and with their students.  Space is limited.

Location: Upper Valley
Application due: May 17

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