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.
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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 -
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- MassachusettsThe 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.
Our 2019 In Bloom season comes to fruition with our first foray to Amherst, Massachusetts. On June 8, 2019, The Hitchcock Center for the Environment will host us for In Bloom in Western Mass. We are confident that the clematis, iris, peonies AND dandelions will all be in bloom!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 -
VINS Science Symposium
The VINS Science Symposium helps bring science investigations to life in our community. Classes participating in the Science Symposium first find a local issue to investigate, design hands-on projects, conduct research and then present their findings to the community during a culminating event held at the VINS Nature Center. The event includes a keynote speaker, interactive science activities provided by local organizations, a VINS Raptor Program and the opportunity for students to share their findings. The VINS Science Symposium allows students to connect with their peers from across Vermont and New Hampshire at the VINS Nature Center. Students, their families and teachers will receive free admission to the VINS Nature Center on the day of the symposium.
Tuesday, May 14 / 10am – 2pm
Theme: The HydrosphereWednesday, May 15 / 10am – 2pm
Theme: The BiosphereThursday, May 16 / 10am – 2pm
Theme: Energy and Engineering
Location: Quechee, Vermont
Due Date: Varies -
School Improvement & Teacher Learning
How do we strive to lead schools in a good direction, from whatever starting point? In this inquiry, you will incorporate research and expert knowledge related to understanding and driving school improvement in order to develop and refine how to engage your school community in change. To accomplish these goals, you will closely examine change efforts underway in your school, and identify and collaboratively plan focus areas for improvement. Finally, you will provide evidence of comprehensive plans for leadership of a teacher learning oriented change initiative.
This series is also offered site-based (for five or more teachers) as a school-based analysis.
When: All seminars in this series are offered on Tuesdays from 4:30 – 7:30
May 14th, May 21st, May 28th
Location: Lebanon, New Hampshire
Due Date: Varies -
Risk Management for Nature-based Early Childhood
Children enjoy learning that is challenging and adventurous, where they can reach beyond their abilities and test themselves. Nature readily provides such experiences. Being outdoors with children in all kinds of weather requires another level of risk management beyond fire drills and correct hand washing instructions, and teachers must prepare to provide it. Topics that will be considered in this course include: hazard identification, appropriate planning for risk, what kinds of risky play to allow and which to discourage, and research on the relationship between nature play and overall health and development. The course will include opportunities to observe a nature-based early childhood program in action.
Provided by Antioch University New England
Location: Online and at Juniper Hill School in Alna, Maine
Event date: May 13 -
Leading Transformations
This course will examine the latest trends in the structure and organization of educational systems and schools, with an emphasis on the philosophy of learner-centered education. In particular students will explore what it means to lead schools through the process of developing systems that allow for smaller learning communities, changing the uses of school time and resources to better support learning, and designing systems that allow the child’s experience to be at the center of school organization and culture. Students will explore the implications of this core philosophy of the program in relationship to their own philosophy and vision for schools. This course also includes a required online component. Students should be prepared to spend additional time in the online environment in order to complete this requirement. This component will serve the dual purpose of enhancing our course work for this summer AND preparing students for their online learning experiences in the Fall and the Spring. There is also an online component for this course.
Location: Antioch University and Online
Event date: May 15