Find community, reinvigorate your teaching practice, and tap into the power of Education for Sustainability with Shelburne Farms Institute for Sustainable Schools. In each of our programs, you will:

  • Cultivate a sense of joy and wonder for the world around us
  • Learn strategies to connect you and your learners to social-ecological communities
  • Build your content knowledge, gain access to resources, and deepen your teaching practice
  • Tap into a network of support as you become an agent of change in a dynamic education system

Focus on Education for Sustainability

Education for Sustainability (EFS) is learning that links knowledge, inquiry, and action to make positive change.

To grow your knowledge, pursue an EFS Certificate with a sequence of courses. Or, enroll in a single EFS course to start. We recommend beginning with Foundations in EFS.

1500
educators from around the world participate in our professional learning opportunities every year.

Focus on Climate Change Education

All of our offerings have an integrated focus on climate change. These programs have an emphasis on education to inspire climate action.

For Farm-Based Educators

Join us for the ABCs of Farm-Based Education, typically offered twice a year in spring and fall.

For Early Childhood Educators

Project Seasons for Young Learners: Cultivating Joy and Wonder is an immersive week-long summer workshop that will inspire your early childhood curriculum with fresh ideas.

Focus on Farm to School

Farm to school is a strategy for connecting classrooms, cafeterias, and communities to shape a healthier, more just future for youth and the planet.

Educators Say

In this program, I've been surrounded by wonderful educators that are actively shifting the paradigm in education. There has been ample opportunity to share ideas and engage in thoughtful discussion with diverse colleagues about the changes we are implementing in our classrooms and schools, which has pushed my teaching practice to new levels.

Educator Mat Heald
Mat Heald
Teacher & Certificate of Graduate Study '26, Fairfax, Vermont