Thanks to the generous support of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation's Wellborn Ecology Fund, the November 1, 2024, Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative (UVTPC) Fall Conference brought together educators, school administrators, and community leaders from across New England for a day of inspiration, professional development, and networking. This year’s event, themed “Curiosity, Caring, and Collaboration: Place-based Teaching in Action,” was a testament to the power of community-driven education, with a focus on place-based ecology education (PBEE).
The conference attracted a diverse group of participants who are passionate about ensuring that all Upper Valley schools have access to high-quality, hands-on, place-based learning experiences. For UVTPC, this mission is vital—it connects classrooms to the natural world, fosters environmental stewardship, and equips students with the skills needed to become informed, engaged global citizens.
A Day of Inspiring Keynotes and Dynamic Workshops
The day kicked off with an insightful keynote by Anthea Lavallee, a leader at the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation. Her talk, centered on the art of storytelling in science, provided participants with valuable frameworks and communication strategies to engage non-technical audiences. Drawing from her extensive experience, Anthea demonstrated how compelling narratives can foster curiosity, enhance learning, and drive action. Attendees were inspired to develop their own outreach projects and leave the session with concrete ideas for connecting their work to broader communities.
The workshops that followed were as varied and engaging as the conference itself. From Incorporating Climate Action: The Hows & Whys to Who is the Forest? Nature-based Projects for Elementary Students, each session offered something unique. Educators explored the intersections of science, culture, and community through workshops like There’s Science and Arts in that Story! and Learning Locally, Transforming Globally: The UN SDGs in My Community.
Whether it was discovering new strategies for climate action or learning how to use nature journaling to deepen students' observation skills, attendees had the chance to immerse themselves in a rich variety of topics. One participant shared, “Nature journaling was SO inspiring and helped me remember why I studied natural science...it reignited my curiosity and reminded me of the joy of discovery.”
Fostering Connections and Renewing Passions
Beyond the sessions and presentations, the true highlight of the day was the opportunity to connect and reconnect with colleagues and community leaders. As one attendee put it, “It was wonderful to connect and reconnect with so many educators and providers, and be inspired and invigorated with the workshops and presentations.” The atmosphere of collaboration and mutual support was palpable, creating a space for educators to exchange ideas, reflect on their practices, and build meaningful relationships.
The vibrant energy in the room was a reminder of the importance of coming together as a community to support the ongoing growth and development of place-based education. For many, it was a chance to reconnect with their own passion for teaching and learning. One participant reflected on how the conference helped them regain focus: “I finally felt like I had some time to focus and settle, as most of the time my thoughts are zooming around. It was so refreshing to pause and reflect on why I do what I do.”
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey of Place-Based Education
The UVTPC Fall Conference may have come to a close, but the learning, connections, and energy from the event will continue to resonate. Educators left the conference with new ideas, new partnerships, and renewed enthusiasm for their work. The day reaffirmed that place-based ecology education is not just about teaching content—it’s about fostering curiosity, caring for the environment, and collaborating with others to create meaningful, impactful learning experiences.
As we look ahead to future events, we invite all educators, school leaders, and community partners to continue engaging in the work of place-based education. Together, we can create classrooms and communities where learning thrives, curiosity is nurtured, and the next generation of environmental stewards is inspired.
We look forward to seeing you at the next UVTPC gathering—let’s continue to learn, grow, and teach in place.
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