2022 Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative Conference

82 Clubhouse Road,Fairlee VT 05045

04 November, 2022

Description

The Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative is a network of education professional development providers and practitioners working together to advance high-quality place-based and ecological education in all Upper Valley Schools. We envision an Upper Valley where all students are deeply engaged in education that fosters ecological understanding and connection to place.     This conference is filled with space and content for renewal and connection for Upper Valley place-based ecology educators and administrators! In addition to sessions from local professional development providers, educators, and community partners, there will be many opportunities throughout the day to reflect, have fun, celebrate, and connect with colleagues as you spend time together learning and immersed in nature. Whether you are new to place-based education or have years of experience, this conference is the place to be!   The Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative, supported by the Wellborn Ecology Fund of the NH Charitable Foundation, is designing this gathering to be a place for everyone to learn, grow, connect, and recharge for the school year ahead.  Partners include Vermont Center for Ecostudies, Regeneration Corps, Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences, Peer Associates, Shelburne Farms, Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, Sullivan County Conservation District, Four Winds Nature Institute, and teachers from around the Upper Valley. In addition to hands-on learning sessions, we will be offering mindfulness walks, Open Space, a teacher celebration, opportunities to visit local schools and exploration of a nearby Valley Quest!   Agenda: Please note that agenda is subject to change: 7:30 - 8:00 Continental Breakfast and Check-In 8:00 - 8:30 Interactive Networking and Movement 8:30 - 10:30 Hands on Learning Sessions 10:30 – 10:45 Break 11:00 - 11:30 Introduction to and Designing Open Space 11:30 - 12:30 Teacher Celebration and Lunch 12:30 - 3:00 Open Space 3:00 - 3:30 Closing COVID Policy: The Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative recognizes the power of connecting with one another and will do all that we can to host this year's conference, while also minimizing the risks associated with gathering in-person. We will be following CDC and Vermont Department of Health guidance at the time of the event. As of September 2022, Vermont’s COVID-19 Community Level Risk is LOW. Our current conference policy is as follows: Masks are optional and welcome. We encourage participants to wear a mask based on their own level of risk and personnel preference. We ask that you please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe event for all participants. Be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines Test yourself at home before departing, regardless of how you are feeling Proactively monitor yourself and stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19 Be an ally to your colleagues that choose to wear a mask In the instance that we see Vermont’s COVID-19 Community Level Risk between now and the conference, we will update our policies in accordance with CDC and Vermont Department of Health guidance. Attendees will be notified about any changes made to event logistics or COVID safety precautions.