A year-long learning community
Begins August 5–7, 2025
Refresh your teaching practice and reconnect your curriculum to the Land. Across habitats and through the seasons, learn how to “read”–and teach–on our landscape from some of the region's best education and natural resource professionals.
You’ll gain the tools to integrate real-world, hands-on experiences into your curriculum. At the heart of FFEC is the belief that when a student has a relationship with their place, they can work to create a more sustainable future.
This year-long program is offered at no cost and is designed for K–12 classroom teachers in the Northeast from any discipline. Support from your school administrator or supervisor prior to applying is strongly encouraged.
Offered with Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Green Mountain National Forest, and the National Park Service Stewardship Institute
How to Apply
-
Andy DubackLearn how to “read” and teach on our landscape across habitats and through the seasons.
-
Bear CieriTranslate sustainability concepts–including equity-centered climate change education–from forests and public lands into your curriculum.
-
Sarah WebbRefresh your teaching practice and build community with fellow teachers.
What You'll Do and Learn
In this program, you will explore climate change, equity, and other sustainability concepts on the Land, then bring lessons from the Land into your curriculum and instruction.
- Gain tools to connect classroom learning to the real world. Tap into place-based learning and climate change education practices to make your curriculum more impactful.
- Develop a unit or curriculum integration plan that incorporates local forest-related resources; addresses education for sustainability and social emotional learning goals; and meets the requirements of your school.
- Form a community as you learn alongside fellow educators. Share and shape each other’s work and ideas, and reflect together on the course’s enduring lessons, both while in session and beyond.
Meet the Core Instructors
- Courtney Mulcahy, Professional Learning Facilitator & Educator
- Emily Schaller, Professional Learning Facilitator
What Participants Say
I am extremely grateful for all that I have gained through participating in FFEC. Over the course of the year, I discovered so much about my own pedagogy and teaching philosophies. I’ve learned methodologies for putting these philosophies into action. I have gained a huge network of colleagues and friends with whom I share values, and we’ve been able to lean on and motivate one another to do the best that we can for our students. Through this supportive community, I’ve gained confidence as a leader in my own school. All of this could not have come at a better time.
Gathering Dates
We gather seasonally throughout the year at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont. Additional virtual gatherings may be added as needed.
Gathering dates for 2025–26 are:
- Summer Kick-Off: Tuesday, August 5–Thursday, August 7, 2025
- Fall Gathering: Thursday, November 6–Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Winter Gathering: Friday, January 9–Saturday, January 10, 2026
- Spring Gathering: Friday, April 3–Saturday, April 4, 2026
Application Details
A Forest For Every Classroom will next be offered in 2025–26. To be notified when applications open, join our mailing list.
This program is typically offered every other year. Registration for this program is by application only. Advance support from your school administrator or supervisor is strongly encouraged.
Fees
This program is offered at no cost to participants. If accepted, you should prepare to participate in all gatherings and complete all assignments.
Gatherings include meals and double occupancy accommodations at guest houses at Shelburne Farms. We do not cover travel to Shelburne Farms.
Interested in graduate credit? Some of our programs, including A Forest for Every Classroom, are offered for optional credits for an additional fee. Contact Courtney at cmulcahy@shelburnefarms.org to learn more.
