Teacher Learning Center

Givens-Black Teacher Learning Center

Purpose
Teton Science Schools' Teacher Learning Center provides educators with professional development opportunities that are experiential, integrated and place-based. Teacher Learning Center programs combine environmental education with innovative leadership strategies and research-based aspects of educational reform. That integration is the basis for the Teacher Learning Center's focus on excellence in education.

Vision/Impact
Teacher Learning Center participants seek professional growth opportunities that are well designed and relevant. Administrators, teachers and researchers from public, independent and alternative schools, and environmental education organizations are engaged in programming that is local, regional, national and international in scope. The Teacher Learning Center is the cornerstone of a large and growing network of people that realizes an unprecedented multiplier effect.

Background

Since 1967, Teton Science Schools has fulfilled our mission of connecting people, nature, place and education by developing and implementing innovative, experiential, environment-based programs that work. In-residence programs for school and youth groups, the Graduate Program, the Conservation Research Center, Journeys Outreach and Journeys School all provide highly effective professional development opportunities for pre-service and in-service educators. The Teacher Learning Center concept was inspired by former Teton Science Schools Board member Rick Black, who imagined an expanded version of Teton Science Schools' vision regarding professional development for teachers. As that idea evolved, Journeys Outreach led to the creation of Journeys School, providing a model for place-based teacher training experiences. The Teacher Learning Center is the place to begin when looking for information regarding any of the professional development programs offered by the various entities of Teton Science Schools.