Educators program

Education for life.

The Educators' Initiative is an innovative program that focuses on professional development for classroom teachers through the lens of experiential education. Teachers are immersed in a collaborative environment where firsthand experiences, hands-on learning, and individual and group reflection foster professional growth and personal transformation. Educators will focus on how to incorporate experiential education into their classrooms, while receiving the support of a network of colleagues to assist them in their curriculum development and delivery.

Program Components

• Weeklong wilderness expedition in the North Carolina mountains, including backpacking, rock climbing, ropes course, and a one-day transference workshop
• Yearlong coaching utilizes a “blended” instructional model that includes both one-on-one video conferences and online collaboration
• Two weekend retreats ( December and April) where EI participants reconvene with NCOBS staff and other experts in the field of experiential education
• Readings on current educational topics that spark reflection, discussion, and innovation
• Regular meetings between EI participants at each school, providing opportunities for collaboration, support, and curriculum development
• Continuing Education Credits will be documented for wilderness course workshops and weekend retreats. It is the responsibility of each participant to submit the requisite paperwork to their local or state district

Goals and Objectives

• Develop and reinforce teachers’ understanding and appreciation of experiential education philosophy and methodology
• Support teachers as they seek to integrate both the process and content of experiential education in their classrooms
• Provide teachers with tools and strategies to promote intentional community development among students
• Encourage teachers to focus on reflective and student-centered practice, empowering student responsibility for classroom leadership
• Develop community among participating teachers at each school as well as with colleagues at other schools
• Promote accountability for teachers and sustainability of the program through ongoing collaboration among participants and North Carolina Outward Bound School staff