In A Watershed for Every Classroom, we'll explore how people, places, and things tell the stories of our region. You'll offer your students the opportunity to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of content, community engagement, and sense of place.

The program is best suited for educators working with grades 4–9, but is applicable to all subject areas and grades.

Presented by the Champlain Basin Education Initiative, a community of organizations engaged in watershed education. 

2024–25 gathering dates:

• July 16–19, 2024
• October 4–5, 2024
• January 31, 2025
• April 11–12, 2025

You should be willing to:

• Participate in all sessions. Personal transportation will be needed to study sites around Vermont and New York.
• Complete readings and written reflections and participate in collegial planning and dialogue.
• Develop a watershed-based teaching unit that integrates the local landscape. The unit will meet the goals of your district's curriculum and exemplify best practices of place-based education and service learning.
• Provide a letter of support from your administrator if accepted; this is important to ensure you'll be giving time during the academic year to join all retreats. 

Benefits & Opportunities:

• Educators receive $100 for classroom resources to advance personal watershed learning after the summer retreat. Apply for an additional $200 school mini-grant at the end of the program.
• For New York teachers, note Lake Champlain Sea Grant is recognized by the New York State Education Department's Office of Teaching Initiatives as an approved sponsor of CTLE for Professional Classroom Teachers, School Leaders, and Level III Teaching Assistants. CTLE certificates of completion will be offered for educators in attendance for the full duration of the program.
• Optional graduate credits for an additional fee: 3- and 6-credit options are available from Castleton University. 3 credits are available for the summer only portion and 6 credits for the full year.  

Fees:

• Program fee: $500, includes housing and meals for single overnights happening in July, October, and May. Needs-based scholarships are available once accepted.