Place-Based Teaching and Learning on Hurricane Island

2026 Dates

July 10 - 12

Program

Register

Explore approaches to place-based teaching and learning and experience the wonder of Hurricane Island through hands-on activities in the intertidal zone, on island ecology, understanding aquaculture, and assessing sustainability systems.  In this weekend program, participants will connect with colleagues, learn more about place-based curriculum design, and have ample opportunity to create and share ideas with others.  More specifically, what does a place-based approach to teaching and learning look like in your own, local school and community?  After an in-depth look at how we approach teaching and learning on Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership, we will explore ways in which teachers can transfer this experience in relevant and meaningful ways for their students at home.  

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain a solid foundation in place-based teaching and learning through direct experiences on island

  • Take time to reflect on the personal strengths and challenges associated with this work

  • Connect with colleagues and develop a shared cohort of learners

  • Consider ways to integrate this model into other contexts, both personally and professionally

  • Design curriculum approaches that map onto local school and community contexts

Instructor

Will Galloway, Director of Education and Programs at Hurricane Island, will lead the 3-day workshop. He brings over 25 years of experience working with students, teachers, school administrators, higher-education administration, for-profit and non-profit organizational leaders, and community-based, climate action projects.  He teaches the Basic and Advanced Mediation training courses through the University of Maine, and consults locally and nationally on conflict transformation applications, especially in the context of community-based, climate action work.

Cost and Logistics

$750/adult for the weekend ($100 non-refundable deposit due at time of registration). This cost includes transportation between Rockland and Hurricane Island, all food and housing, all programming, and all facilities. Please plan to arrive at the Rockland Ferry Terminal early enough to check in with us to get your (provided) ferry tickets, and be prepared to board the ferry on time for the 2:45pm departure (an hour ahead is recommended). You will need to find and, if necessary, pay for vehicle parking. More information can be found on our website here.