A year-long supported professional development program for educators in the Lake Champlain Basin
Begins August 3–6, 2026
Explore how people, places, and things tell the stories of our region. Throughout this course, you'll learn more about the science and history of the Lake Champlain Watershed; engage in field work and exploration at a wide variety of sites both on and in the water; and receive materials and resources to take back to the classroom. You'll collaborate with peers and instructors to learn strategies for building students' in-depth understanding of content, community engagement skills, and sense of place.
Presented by the Champlain Basin Education Initiative, a community of organizations engaged in watershed education.
- This program is applicable to formal and informal educators in all subject areas and grades. Priority will be given to those who teach in the Lake Champlain Basin of New York, Vermont, and Quebec. If you aren’t sure where your location falls, search for your city or town in this interactive map.
- Participant Cost: $650 program fee, includes housing during summer and spring retreats as well as most meals. Need-based scholarships are available once accepted.
- CTLE Credits (included): 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.
- Professional Certificate (included): A certificate of completion will be provided with professional development hours.
- Optional 3 graduate course credits through Vermont State University for an additional $435.
What to Expect
2026–2027 gathering dates:
- August 3–6, 2026: 4 day program. Overnight accommodations include housing at Shelburne Farms in Vermont the nights of August 3 and 4, and camping at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum on the night of August 5.
- September 25, 2026: 1 day program
- January 22, 2027: 1 day program
- April 29–May 1, 2027: 2.5 day program with overnight accommodations provided at South Meadow Farm in Lake Placid, New York on April 29 and 30.
See a sample gathering schedule.
You should be willing to:
- Participate in all sessions. Personal transportation will be needed to study sites around Vermont and New York, with opportunities to carpool.
- 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.
- Demonstrate administrator approval. This is important to ensure you'll be giving time during the academic year to join all retreats.
Meet the Core Instructors
- Emily Schaller, Shelburne Farms
- Ashley Eaton, Lake Champlain Sea Grant Extension
- Course support provided by CBEI partners
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Andrea EsteyEngage in field work at a wide variety of sites both on and in the water.
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Andrea EsteyLearn more about the science and history of the Lake Champlain Watershed.
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Andrea EsteyDevelop a watershed-based teaching unit that integrates the local landscape.
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Sarah WebbCollaborate with peers and instructors to learn strategies for building in-depth content understanding and a sense of place for students.
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Andrea EsteyReceive materials and resources to take back to the classroom.
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