Eagle Times Staff
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VT — A network that supports ecological education beyond the classroom holds its annual conference on Friday, Oct. 13, at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT.
Founded in 2017 as the Wellborn Hub, the Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative (UVTPC) is a network of education professional development providers and practitioners who work together to advance high-quality, place-based and ecological education (PBEE) in all Upper Valley Schools.
This style of teaching expands the classroom walls by bringing learning experiences into the communities and ecosystems where students live. Practitioners prioritize learning opportunities that are student-centered, inquiry-based, outside in nature or the community, and focused on authentic problems, with improved academic, socio-emotional and health benefits for students; teacher engagement and satisfaction; and strengthened community partnerships for schools.
The event welcomes K-12 and early childhood educators, ecological education professional development providers and anyone interested in advancing equitable access to place-based ecology education.
Last year’s event was the first UVTPC gathering since the pandemic.
“It was so good to reconnect with colleagues and connect with new folks too,” said Dawn Dextraze, education and outreach specialist of the Sullivan County Conservation District and a member of the UVTPC Steering Committee. “I definitely came away energized and wanting more.”
More and more students are experiencing a disconnect from nature following a transition to online learning during the pandemic.
“This summer has been marked by dense wildfire smoke filling the air, and catastrophic flooding across the region reminding us of the urgency presented by the climate crisis. Place-based ecology education is a powerful antidote, providing students with opportunities to learn, heal, and become agents of change in their communities,” said Andrew Deaett, a vital communities project manager who is one of the organizers of the event. “We can do this work in partnership within and across school districts, alongside community partners and supported by the amazing professional development providers in our region.”
Conference participants will join a community of place-based ecology educators to learn, play, support, contribute and connect. They will select from a variety of hands-on learning workshops, many led by their peers.
There will be sessions for early childhood, elementary, middle and high school educators with opportunities to learn new curriculum ideas and contribute to regional initiatives. Participants will receive a certificate of participation for six hours of professional development.
To see the list of workshops and to register, visit vitalcommunities.org.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.