Partners

A year-long program to help Vermont K–12 teachers translate climate change, equity, and other sustainability concepts from the Land into their curricula

Offered in partnership with Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Green Mountain National Forest, and the Stewardship Institute

Refresh your teaching practice and reconnect your curriculum to the Land in A Forest for Every Classroom. Across habitats and through the seasons, learn how to “read”–and teach–in the landscapes of Vermont from some of the best education and natural resource professionals in the state. 

You’ll gain the tools to integrate real-world, hands-on experiences into your curriculum. At the heart of FFEC is the belief that every student must have a relationship with their place in order to create a more sustainable future.

This year-long program is designed for Vermont K–12 classroom teachers from any discipline. Support from your school administrator or supervisor prior to applying is highly encouraged.

We are currently accepting applications to join our next cohort, A Forest for Every Classroom 2023–24!

    • Andy Duback

      Learn how to “read” and teach in the landscapes of Vermont across habitats and through the seasons.

    • Bear Cieri

      Translate sustainability concepts–including equity-centered climate change education–from forests and public lands into your curriculum.

    • Sarah Webb

      Refresh your teaching practice and build community with fellow teachers.

    What You'll Learn

    In this program, you will observe how climate change, equity, and other sustainability concepts show up in forests and public lands, then learn to use the Land as a teaching tool in your curriculum and instruction.

    • Gain tools to connect classroom learning to the real world. Tap into the practices of place-based service learning and education for sustainability to make your curriculum more practical and meaningful.
    • Develop a place-based teaching unit or curriculum integration plan that utilizes local resources; addresses education for sustainability goals; incorporates the forest; and meets the requirements of your school.
    • Form a community as you learn alongside fellow educators. Share and shape each other’s work and ideas, and reflect together on the course’s enduring lessons, both while in session and beyond.

    Meet the Core Instructors

    What Participants Say

    I am extremely grateful for all that I have gained through participating in FFEC. Over the course of the year, I discovered so much about my own pedagogy and teaching philosophies. I’ve learned methodologies for putting these philosophies into action. I have gained a huge network of colleagues and friends with whom I share values, and we’ve been able to lean on and motivate one another to do the best that we can for our students. Through this supportive community, I’ve gained confidence as a leader in my own school. All of this could not have come at a better time.

    Laryssa Fortier
    Educator, Peacham, Vermont

    Program Overview

    We gather seasonally throughout the year at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont. Additional virtual gatherings may be added as needed.

    The 2023–24 gathering dates are:

    • Fall Kick-Off: Friday, October 13–Sunday, October 15, 2023
    • Winter Gathering: Friday, January 19–Sunday, January 21, 2024
    • Spring Gathering: Friday, March 15–Sunday, March 17, 2024
    • Summer 2024 to be determined by participants

    Application Details

    We are currently accepting applications for A Forest for Every Classroom 2023–24! This program runs Fall 2023 through Summer 2024 and is typically offered every other year. Registration for this program is by application only. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

    To apply, please complete our online form. Advance support from your school administrator or supervisor is highly encouraged.

    Fees

    This program is offered at no cost to participants. If accepted, you should prepare to participate in all gatherings and complete all assignments.

    Gatherings include meals and double occupancy accommodations at guest houses at Shelburne Farms. We do not cover travel to Shelburne Farms.

    Interested in graduate credit? Some of our programs, including A Forest for Every Classroom, are offered for optional credits for an additional fee. Contact Courtney at cmulcahy@shelburnefarms.org to learn more.

    Start a conversation with Director of Professional Learning Jen Cirillo at jcirillo@shelburnefarms.org or 802-985-0315 to talk about our programs and available graduate credits. Or, complete our request for information form and someone will be in touch.

    Request Info