Introduction to Place-Based Education: Asynchronous Virtual Summer Course

In this seven-week asynchronous course, participants will explore the theory and application of place-based education. They will gain practical skills and tools to get started with a place-based classroom experience. Participants will learn how to use the local community as their classroom, guide students to make a positive community impact, connect standards to place, and build learner-centered experiences.

The course will be split into three sections:

• Part 1: Introduction to place-based education and setting intention (weeks 1-2)
• Part 2: Elements & tools of place-based education (weeks 3-5)
• Part 3: Place-based and project-based lesson design and development (weeks 6-7)

Participants will create a place-based lesson or unit to implement in Fall 2026, building upon a plan throughout the course. Each week will consist of asynchronous videos and readings followed by short assignments and discussions with other participants, including opportunities to get outside in your community. Participants have the opportunity to personalize their learning experience through learner choice and interpretation of assignments as well as through the opportunity for one-on-one coaching sessions during the final project. Participants can anticipate spending 15-20 hours on course activities over the seven weeks and can spend more or less as time and interest allow.

Facilitators: Kelly Gaskins & Alex Sivitskis

• Asynchronous cohort-style program: Watch videos and read articles, complete a short assignment, and respond to others in learning cohort each week
• Final assignment due by August 7th, 2026

Registration closes on June 20 @ 12 pm.