What does it mean to help students explore history not as something frozen in the past, but as a living story of resilience, adaptation, and community? The new American Abenaki Curriculum: A Journey of History and Resilience offers educators a powerful opportunity to do just that through inquiry-based learning grounded in authentic Abenaki voices, histories, and experiences. Centered around the compelling question: How have the Abenaki people survived and adapted to their env

The Grafton County Conservation District (GCCD) is hoping to connect with young people interested in conservation, environmental stewardship, and making a difference in their communities. In response to conversations with local organizations about the challenges of engaging youth, GCCD has created a survey to better understand the interests of young people across Grafton County and to help connect them with existing projects, programs, and volunteer opportunities. The goal is

Have you ever wanted to involve community members in meaningful scientific research? Whether you're an educator, scientist, conservation professional, nonprofit leader, or engaged volunteer, citizen and community science can be a powerful way to connect people with real-world research while generating valuable data and community impact. This summer, the University of New Hampshire is offering a unique professional development opportunity designed to help participants build th

As educators across New Hampshire and Vermont continue to explore ways to engage students in meaningful climate action, finding a supportive community can make all the difference. That’s where BASEcamp comes in. The Vermont Energy Education Program / New Hampshire Energy Education Program (VEEP/NHEEP) BASEcamp Network (Building Action Support for Educators) is more than just a Google Group — it’s a growing community of educators, environmental professionals, and changemakers

This April, place-based ecology education providers from across the Upper Valley gathered at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) for another inspiring UVTPC Community of Practice. The day was full of collaboration, creativity, and connection—with plenty of time outdoors enjoying the beautiful spring weather and the incredible work happening at VINS. We were also excited to welcome two new members to the Community of Practice: Madeline Ferland, Sustainability Educa

Hands-on Beekeeping - ALE 2990- Z2 June 15-July 10 Tuesdays 4:30-7:30 Saturdays 9 am - 3 pm Course Description: This introductory beekeeping course offers a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on field experience. Topics include bee biology and natural history, choosing and purchasing equipment and bees, integrated pest management, seasonal colony management, and queen grafting. Class will be held at the UVM horticulture farm and Meach Cove in Shelburne where student

We’re excited to share a sneak peek of the incredible student projects that will be showcased at the upcoming Equitable Climate Action Partnership (ECAP) Symposium on Friday, May 8, 2026 at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. This inspiring day (9:00 AM – 1:30 PM) will highlight student-driven climate action from across the Upper Valley , with projects that tackle local environmental challenges, strengthen community resilience, and imagine bold, creative solutions for

We’re excited to share an upcoming professional development opportunity from our partners at the Four Winds Nature Institute —designed specifically for educators working with PreK through Grade 3 students in the Upper Valley. This three-day, hands-on learning experience invites educators to explore how place-based practices can spark curiosity, deepen observation, and support meaningful science learning across the year. Program Overview Framing Inquiry and Wonder in Place and

Across New Hampshire and Vermont, educators are continually exploring ways to make learning more meaningful, relevant, and connected to place. An upcoming PBS documentary, Schools That Change Communities , shines a light on schools across the country that are doing just that. 🎬 Airing on NH PBS (WORLD Channel): April 6 at 7:00 PM April 7 at 12:00 AM (midnight) April 7 at 8:00 AM 👉 View the NH PBS schedule Reimagining Where Learning Happens While traditional classroom instru

Funded effort for one Upper Valley middle or high school, fall 2026 semester Problem: Harm and Waste of Unnecessary Idling Many vehicles idle while waiting through the dismissal period Solution: Student-Led Effort to Mitigate the Issue Schools Are Not Drive-Thrus project: a four-step idle-free study/campaign over six to 10 weeks in a school semester Step 1: Presentation/Training Session in the Classroom Step 2: Measure Amount of Idling Occurring at Dismissal For three afte

Across the Upper Valley, a subtle yet powerful shift is underway. In classrooms, gardens, school trails, and student clubs, there’s a growing wave of educators and young people engaging in place-based climate stewardship. This year, thanks to the generous support of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Wellborn Ecology Fund , the Equitable Climate Action Partnership (ECAP) is proud to support that work through a new round of school-based grants. These grants, awarded to

A recent article by Kate Kampner ( Community News Service ), published February 19, 2026 in The Charlotte News , highlights S.175 —a bill that would support climate change education across Vermont public schools. Introduced by Anne Watson , the bill would direct the Vermont Secretary of Education to develop climate change curriculum for elementary and secondary schools. The proposal is intended to serve as a resource and roadmap for educators , rather than a mandate, helping

UVTPC Place-Based Ecology Education (PBEE) Provider Shelburne Farms is now accepting registrations and applications for its highly regarded summer and yearlong professional learning programs—and one important deadline is coming up fast. 📌 Applications for the Northeast Farm to School Institute (2026–27) are due February 9. Shelburne Farms’ summer institutes draw educators from across the Northeast and beyond, and for good reason. Set on a stunning working farm along Lake Ch

Let’s Go Compost , a national nonprofit focused on hands-on soil science and STEM education, is offering free indoor worm composting farm kits to 100 public schools nationwide in celebration of Earth Month 2026 . This opportunity is open to public schools (including charters) in all 50 states , as well as summer school programs . Homeschool groups may apply by partnering with their local public library , which must complete the public library form on their behalf. Each sel

We are excited to team up again with New Hampshire Environmental Educators (NHEE) and Vermont Education & Environment Network (VEEN) , for the Teach for Tomorrow: Winter Webinar Series, offering educators a diverse range of professional development opportunities, covering topics from environmental science and sustainable education to curriculum connections, all aimed at empowering teachers to engage students and create impactful learning experiences both indoors and outdoor

Helping educators and families connect with the natural world—one wonder-filled moment at a time. If you’re an early childhood educator—or any educator who wants to weave more nature into your curriculum—our friends at Four Winds Nature Institute are a must-follow. Their blog posts often follow the seasons and are full of hands-on, joy-filled ideas you could implement tomorrow. Recent favorites include “Orb Weave Artistry,” “Acorns as Loose Parts,” and “Nature Journaling.”

On Wednesday, September 18th , 16 members of the Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative’s Community of Practice (CoP) gathered at...

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with our UVTPC community—our 2025 Fall Conference keynote speaker, Jeannie Kornfeld , was...

2024 workshop attendees got their hands dirty planting trees with Michael Gamache—learning how to green their schools and communities for...

The Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative (UVTPC) is excited to host our fall conference on November 13, 2025 that is aligned to our...