WY Place-Based Educator Microcredential

Through online and in-person learning experiences, Wyoming educators will learn the fundamentals of place-based education. 

In Part 1, as a part of an online cohort in the Introduction to Place-Based Education virtual course, educators will gain understanding of place-based education and its core principles. They will plan for a place-based lesson to implement in their teaching.

Then in Part 2, educators will convene together in-person in Grand Teton National Park for a 5-day workshop. During this time, they will experience place-based education together, and they will plan for a place-based unit or project to implement in upcoming teaching. This unit or project could be revising something that they already do using place-based education, or designing a new unit or project based on an opportunity or need in the community and aligning with standards and curriculum.

Participating teachers will:

• Build a toolbox of practical strategies to start using a place-based approach right away.
• Engage in structured coaching sessions with a Teton Science Schools’ Professional Learning Coach to apply the strategies to their particular content and context.
• Collaborate with cohort colleagues, both asynchronously and synchronously.
• Experience place-based education in Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park and in Teton Science Schools’ programs.

Program Outcomes

• Articulate a definition of place-based education that aligns with the Teton Science Schools Place-Based Education Learning Framework.
• Report increased confidence in implementing place-based education.
• Report increased frequency in implementing place-based education.
• Report an increase in their ability to meaningfully integrate content and place. 
• Develop a place-based unit or project they can use with their students.

   

Cost Per Person 

$299 fee for the online course and $2276 for the in-person workshop at Teton Science Schools, including meals, lodging, and programming for the 5-day, 4-night workshop = $2,575, total

Title 2 funds can cover this cost.  

This does not include University of Wyoming credits, which are optional and a separate charge of $60/ credit.

Credits and Continuing Education  

Wyoming educators can take the microcredential for 3 PTSB Continuing Education units or 3 University of Wyoming 5959 credits. Educators from other states can also participate and receive University of Wyoming credits. (UW credits are an additional charge of $60/credit.)

Full List of Program Requirements

To receive the microcredential, educator participants must complete the following:

1. 1. Pre-Program Survey
   2. Introduction to Place-Based Education: Asynchronous virtual course This course is offered for one WY PTSB CEU or one University of Wyoming credit.
      • Estimated at 15-20 hours of time over seven weeks.
      • Course participation must achieve an average score of “Proficient” on course learning experience rubrics. 
   3. Place-Based Education workshop in Jackson, WY – 5-day, 4-night workshop at Teton Science Schools’ campus in Grand Teton National Park
      • Offered for two WY PTSB CEUs or two University of Wyoming credits.
      • Estimated at 30 hours of time over the 5-day program.
   4. Submit a final place-based unit or project plan

• Post-Program Survey