Local Teachers Explore Nature-based Teaching at Summer Retreat

This August, nine elementary school teachers from four different local school districts gathered with Harris Center teacher-naturalists to develop and deepen their nature-based teaching skills. Together, they spent three days on the peaceful Harris Center grounds experiencing what nearby nature has to offer, sharing ideas, and planning for the upcoming school year. As part of this summer retreat, each teacher created a plan for outdoor teaching and learning, which they are now implementing as they start the new school year.

All agreed that they felt refreshed, relaxed, and reinvigorated as they imagined routines to establish inside and outside their schools. One teacher said, “I felt enlightened, heard and inspired every day!” Another remarked, “I am leaving today with a vision and tools in my pocket!”

This supportive community will continue to meet over Zoom for professional development from October to May.