Are you an educator, school administrator, or community leader in New England looking to bring your teaching to life through place-based ecology education (PBEE)?
PBEE integrates the local community and environment into learning across all academic subjects, making education relevant, inspiring, and impactful. As longtime Upper Valley educator Dawn Dextraze explains, “PBEE has the power to connect people to their place, to each other, and to the wider community. It empowers people to ask questions, investigate, and take action where necessary. It fosters the development of the whole person and gives them a sense of belonging. It inspires people to care for others, themselves, and the world around them.”
If you’re excited to dive into the potential of place-based ecology education, we invite you to join us for the Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative (UVTPC) conference on November 1st at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT. This year’s theme, “Curiosity, Caring, and Collaboration: Place-Based Teaching in Action,” promises an inspiring day filled with rich learning opportunities, hands-on workshops, and meaningful connections.
Kick off the day with a powerful keynote presentation by Anthea Lavallee, Executive Director of the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation. In her talk, “The Four M’s: A Mix-And-Match Strategy for Linking Science and Society,” Anthea will share her proven framework for creating compelling narratives about science and nature while developing practical skills to connect with students and engage the broader community. Participants will even get to brainstorm mini-outreach projects and apply these strategies to their educational practices.
The conference will feature three interactive strands woven throughout the day:
Collaborating for Climate Action
Supporting Place-based Ecology Education in Our Communities and Schools
Cultivating Connections to the Natural World
We’re thrilled to announce that Michael Caduto, celebrated author, storyteller, and co-author of the Keeper of the Earth series, will lead a workshop within the "Cultivating Connections" strand. He’ll share his unique methods and activities to deepen participants’ relationships with nature and culture, fostering stewardship and connection.
With an array of engaging workshops, attendees can explore topics like nature journaling, equitable climate action, tree planting, and even how to use AI tools to encourage more time outdoors. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone!
Throughout the day, there will be ample opportunities to network and build meaningful connections. As Hannah Gelroth, Senior Director of Education at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, shares: “I’m most excited to network with an amazing group of people who are passionate about PBEE!” Lisa Purcell, Executive Director at Four Winds Nature Institute, adds, “Some of the best parts of the conference each year are those surprise moments when people share their thoughts, questions, and ideas and it all just clicks and connects. It’s wonderful to see folks engaged in learning together in all sorts of ways.”
Whether you’re new to place-based learning or a seasoned practitioner, this conference has something for everyone. Dawn Dextraze sums it up perfectly: “Come check it out, and at the very least, you’ll probably walk away with some new friends!”
Register today! Registration is now open and will close on October 20th. The $45 fee includes morning coffee & baked goods, keynote, conference sessions, lunch, an end-of-day raffle ticket, and a certificate of participation. Scholarships are also available.
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