An Invitation to Recharge With Us This Summer

These days, I’m reflecting on how fortunate I am to work with so many educators. I’m continually amazed at your resilience and deep commitment to your students.

Consider this your invitation to join our community of learners and find support with the Institute for Sustainable Schools. Formed late last year as a hub to collect our existing professional learning programs and resources for PreK-12 educators, the Institute is your home at Shelburne Farms.

All of our offerings prepare you to facilitate learning experiences for your students using a lens of sustainability, and are designed to nourish you as a person – mentally, practically, and emotionally. And we’ll be learning together on Shelburne Farms’ campus once more, being re-energized by good food, great conversations, and our beautiful surroundings.

Here are just some of the opportunities to learn with us this summer.

• We’re now enrolling for three programs focused specifically on Education for Sustainability: Foundations, the inspiring introductory workshop; Immersion, for those who already have a strong understanding of the concept; and the year-long Leadership Academy.
• For early childhood educators, join us for an immersive week with Project Seasons for Young Learners: Cultivating Joy and Wonder.
• We’re also accepting applications for the Climate Resiliency Fellowship, a year-long opportunity for teachers in the northeast committed to learning, teaching, and taking action for the climate.

It’s imperative for us to support the kind of education that will help create just, equitable, and sustainable communities. We hope that as a result of our programs, you find the inspiration and support to transform the institutions you’re working in and shape a better tomorrow.

Some food for thought from a 2020 survey of professional learning participants:

• More than 95% of teachers who have participated in our programs agree their practice is more meaningful and relevant. We create spaces for reflection, so that educators can really take the time to move forward with their practice. 
• Teachers came away with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for teaching, and their students in turn became more engaged learners. 
• 85% of teachers told us their experience helped to improve their school culture in some way, like by having an impact on one or more of their colleagues. 

We hope to see you soon!

Read more about all of our 2022 programs or reach out to request information.