Partners

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

    A Forest For Every Classroom will next be offered in 2025–26, kicking off August 5–7, 2025 at Shelburne Farms. To be notified when applications open, join our mailing list.

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    • Andy Duback

      Learn how to “read” and teach on our landscape across habitats and through the seasons.

    • Bear Cieri

      Translate sustainability concepts–including equity-centered climate change education–from forests and public lands into your curriculum.

    • Sarah Webb

      Refresh 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.
    • Connect with a variety of community partners and professionals in the forestry field. 
    • 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

    What Participants Say

    FFEC has been life changing for me in so many ways. I met a wonderful group of educators from a span of teaching experiences that will continue to be a great resource for collaboration. I developed a curiosity for identifying things in nature. I have altered my teaching to create stewards and introduce sustainability and aim to bring in aspects of climate change and sustainability with my younger students. And, the emphasis on connections to outside partners allowed me to think about the community resources I can reach out to.

    Kellie Hallock
    First Grade Teacher, Westminster Central School

    Gathering Dates

    We gather seasonally throughout the year, either at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont, or in the area of Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park in Woodstock, 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.

    Priority will be given to Vermont teachers, though teachers from other Northeast states are welcome to apply.

    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.

    Partners