Teachers Inspired, Empowered by IHE's Summer Institute

Twelve dynamic educators gathered at the Institute for Humane Education’s beautiful facility in Surry, Maine, from June 28 to July 2 for Teaching for a Better World: A Summer Institute for Educators.

Each day was designed to give participants an opportunity for personal and professional inquiry into global ethical issues and the core tenets of education and teaching. Participants also examined the way their own educations have shaped their experiences as educators and the role education plays in the health and future of our planet.

The week began with an exploration of the elements of humane education. Through lectures, indoor and outdoor activities, film viewings, large and small group discussions, and role plays, participants expanded their knowledge of existing connections between education, environmental ethics, animal protection, culture, consumerism and media, and human rights, and explored ways to integrate these topics across various disciplines.

Participants each created and presented a 20-minute humane education activity or lesson plan and received feedback. These dynamic presentations demonstrated a real understanding and enthusiasm from the participants.

Participants included:

• classroom teachers
• college advisors
• community educators
• homeschooling parents
  
• a theatre educator and playwright
• a student studying environmental education
  

and came from as close as Maine and as far away as Hong Kong.

IHE faculty Mary Pat Champeau and Zoe Weil facilitated the program, with IHE Executive Director, Khalif Williams, facilitating several discussions. Additionally, participants enjoyed special guest Robert Shetterly, creator of the Americans Who Tell the Truth portrait series. Rob shared his vision of how to help students come to understand their heritage and ultimately, inspire their futures.

Participants also engaged in evening social activities, including dinners at area restaurants, a special dinner at the Institute that included participants’ families, and an evening out at Acadia Improv.

IHE received very positive feedback from participants. Here are a couple samples:

"It rejuvenated me and was an excellent way to gain CEUs. (The) value was immeasurable. I gained friends and confidence and knowledge to share."
~ Andy Bryan, teacher in Maine

"I expected it to be educational and fabulous, and it was both. My overall idea of what humane education means is much clearer. I’ve been inspired to continue. Humane education will no longer be a concept that I endeavor to incorporate into my classrooms and personal life; rather, it will be a chosen lifestyle. I am changed, and will continue to grow and change. I am better for it and will like myself more throughout my life because of it."
~ Deborah Burger, college ESL teacher in Michigan

We IHE staff felt equally inspired and renewed by the experience and thank everyone who attended and made it a very vibrant and productive week!

We’d like to thank a few sponsors that provided scholarship funds to help participants attend:

• Shawn Sweeney, National Program Coordinator with Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots (Shawn is also currently one of IHE’s M.Ed. students)
• Bar Harbor Bank & Trust in Blue Hill, Ellsworth, and Bar Harbor, Maine.

We also want to thank the local supermarkets, Tradewinds and Hannaford, that provided sponsorship for our healthy afternoon snacks.

See more photos and testimonials from our 2010 Summer Institute.

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