The Teacher Institute Series

The Teacher Institute Series, sponsored by Poland Spring, is an opportunity for educators from across the country to come together to learn, network, and collaborate with fellow educators & community partners in an immersive setting. These transformational experiences educate the next generation of environmental and water stewards by inviting educators from around the country to participate in leading-edge professional development.

Summer Institute:

Watershed Science and Conservation

Our summer institute invites educators to explore water’s connection to human systems and its impacts on the environment. Attendees accomplish this through place-based learning, field lessons with our Ecology Educators, resources from community partners, and networking with fellow educators. See our summer institute in action here.

Attendees will receive a $250 participation stipend and up to a $500 travel award. An additional $250 stipend may be earned for post-institute content implementation.

The summer institute is offered in two cohorts:

Our Summer 2026 Teacher Institute is full.

Please check back in January for the Summer 2027 Institute application.

Winter Institute:

Invigorating Outdoor Learning

Our winter institute provides educators with the tools to unlock year-round outdoor learning, connects them with teacher ambassadors who are providing place-based learning opportunities for their students, and encourages collaboration across learning disciplines. See our winter institute in action here.

Attendees will receive a $200 participation stipend and up to a $150 travel award.

The winter institute is a weekend offering:

Applications open in October 2026.

The Institute

The Teacher Institute Series inspires educators to include outdoor learning, place-based experiences, and community partners in their own teaching practice.
All attendees receive a stipend for participation and a travel award. Lodging & meals are included. One of the many goals of this Institute is to remove barriers to entry and provide an *inclusive and accessible* opportunity for those interested in attending.

Attendees whose applications fit these parameters will be considered first:

Kindergarten - 8th teachers (high school teachers welcome!)
Ability to implement water and/or landform curriculum (summer institute)
Have not attended a professional development event hosted by The Ecology School before
Work within historically underserved, underrepresented, and under-resourced communities
Black, Indigenous, and Educators of Color

Other applicants are welcome to apply! Please contact Meg directly for more information (nonprofits, school administrators, early childhood and college-level teachers, etc.)