Enroll in the Teton Science Schools in Jackson Hole, WY, the model and hub for place-based education, to assist in the implementation of a improved educational model that includes a clearer context for learning within a rural community and "real life."
A highlight of this experience was visiting the Teton Valley campus of Teton Science Schools in Idaho. This school includes students from Pre-K through 8th grade. Students had so much freedom in their learning experiences and freedom in the outdoors. The classrooms were located in houses and mobile units that opened up to a common green space. Students used the green space for lunch and recess. There was no traditional playground equipment, but students used found items during recess.
I realized how important professional development and experiences are to help re-energize me professionally. Experiencing different learning environments helped me realize what I already do well and what areas I need to improve. I discovered how connected I am to my place and how much I need access to nature.
An unplanned experience was having our rental van break down in rural Idaho. We had to wait four hours in the parking lot of a Flying J’s gas station while waiting for a ride. Eventually, a member of the Teton Valley campus picked us up. We checked into a hotel around 11 p.m. that night. I was also looking forward to seeing secondary ELA teachers and students interacting in the classroom. However, these students were away from campus on learning journeys, aka field trips.
One plan I am implementing is creating student portfolios to keep track of student progress, goals, and writing. The Teton Science schools had a large binder for each student, but their school is smaller than my current school. Students in my ELA classes are creating digital portfolios through Google Sites.
I’m currently planning a writing project that gives students the opportunity and freedom to express how they feel about the culture that has shaped their lives. We are also working on a design thinking process with the goal of answering the driving question of “How do our food choices impact the quality of our life?”.
This fellowship will extend beyond my classroom and will have an impact on the University of West Alabama’s College of Education students. Our school, The University Charter School, is located on UWA’s campus. College of Education students are placed in our classrooms, visit for field experiences, and professors visit our classes. I have been able to share my experiences and the knowledge I have gained from these experiences.