July 8-14, 2012, Portland, Oregon

 

World Forestry Center International Educators Institute Brochure

 

 

WHO IS IEI FOR?

This course is directed at educators in all field of natural resources. From elementary to high school teachers to those working in industry, universities, and public organizations. Anyone with an interest in learning how to convey important topics in forestry and natural resource management to children, colleagues, or the public.  Intended to provide educators the tools to become more effective teachers, IEI is an ideal course for anyone with a passion for education and the great outdoors!

 

WHAT IS IEI?

The World Forestry Center International Educators Institute is the premier professional development program for experienced leaders in natural resources, conservation and environmental education who are committed to advancing effective teaching and learning about the world's forests.

 

WHERE IS IEI?

IEI is based 25 miles east of Portland, Oregon in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area adjacent to Mt. Hood National Forest. Each day we travel together via deluxe motor coach to field sites in Oregon and Washington. Overnight facilities are provided at the beautiful Menucha Retreat and Conference Center near Corbett, Oregon. See the Agenda below to learn all about all the places you will visit.

 

WHEN IS IEI?

This content-rich 7-day field course starts on Sunday, July 8, 2012 and ends Saturday, July 14, 2012.

 

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND IEI?

This course allows teachers to build a foundation for curriculum, develop new techniques to improve teaching and learning, and to establish new support networks. IEI’s unique peer-to-peer leadership exercises helps to greatly expand participants influence in their schools and communities.

The daily field excursions give you first-hand experience with some of the great natural resources of the west. Making connections and learning how to convey the importance of sustainability in  natural resource managment are a few of the many benefits of this leadership course. Read a summary of last year's International Educators Institute here.

 

Here is a sample of what teachers say about the World Forestry Center International Educators Institute:

"Each part of the week was absolutely amazing. Your ability to spark our thinking, bring ideas together and lead the group through each experience was inspirational"

"Great leadership and organization, great modeling of teaching practices, great group of participants, well thought out field trips..."

"One of the most profound educational experiences that I have ever had."

 

 

Register here

 

Applications are due by February 28, 2012

Participant selection is announced by March 15, 2012

Course Fee: $1,800 (USD). This includes six of nights of lodging in comfortable shared rooms with private baths, all meals (vegetarian options available), field trip transportation via deluxe motor coach, admission fees, and course materials.

 

To qualify for selection, applicants must have:

• Experience in natural resource fields
• Current teaching responsibilities
• Demonstrated leadership skills and professional recognition
• Proficiency in English language skills
• Ability to travel outdoors for extended periods

 

Agenda:
Day 1:  Welcome to International Educators Institute
Greetings, orientation, and guided discussion about the IEI content, best practices and leadership framework. Get an overview of the week, a snapshot of the team-building exercises that you will participate in, and start thinking about your goals and expectations for the week. A family-style meal overlooking the spectacular Columbia River is followed by evening social time.

 

Day 2:  Make the Global Connection
Exchange success stories and challenges about your work and projects. Give a short presentation about the forests in your part of the world and learn from others. Travel to Portland's beautiful Washington Park for a special tour of the Discovery Museum and dinner at the World Forestry Center.

 

Day 3:  Re-Discover the Forest
Enjoy a guided hike through an old growth forest of giant trees and waterfalls as we share different perspectives on teaching and learning, forest conservation, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable communities. The hike is approximately 6 miles, all downhill, and gives you the opportunity to connect with the forest and with your fellow participants. There are options for shorter hikes this day too.

 

Day 4:  Mount St. Helens: A Tale of Two Forests

Experience "the mountain" up close from the Johnston Ridge Volcanic Observatory and explore the region to examine the diverse responses to changing landscapes and human communities. A visit to a private industrial forestland nearby will give you an opportunity to compare two different types of forest.

 

Day 5:  The Forest Will Provide: Lessons from Warm Springs

Travel to Oregon's high desert country and meet with tribal leaders, natural resource managers, and educators of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Cultural presentations, traditional foods, and an unforgettable visit to Trillium Lake in the heart of the Mount Hood National Forest.

 

Day 6:  Effective Teaching & Learning: Linking Research & Education

See the forest with new eyes with the scientists at the Wind River Field Station. Learn about the research trials that happen in the old growth forest and how research integrates with the education process. Return to Menucha for a final benchmarking, lessons learned, cultural exchange and evening awards ceremony.

 

Day 7:  Travel Day - Optional Sightseeing and Shopping

Farewell breakfast, then take the morning shuttle to the airport or explore the mountains, river, or city on your own.

 

Travel: Air and ground transportation are not included in the course fee and participants must arrange for their own transportation to/from Portland International Airport (PDX) at the start and end of the course. Participants are encouraged to arrive in Portland to rest and acclimate a day before IEI starts and after the course for additional sightseeing and shopping. Staff can assist with trip planning logistics and local contacts.

 

Collaboration, Outcomes, and Documentation:

Participants work each day individually and in small groups on selected Content, Best Practices, and Leadership exercises to develop personal and professional goals and targeted activities to enrich content knowledge about the world's forests and advance teaching and learning outcomes in environmental education.

 

All participants will receive the IEI Global Connections Handbook which contains participant forest profiles and project summaries, course content references, site maps, leadership readings, benchmarking exercises, best practices worksheets, journal pages, and alumni directory.

 

In addition, all participants will receive the new Global Connections: Forests of the World curriculum guide and related web-based resources developed by the World Forestry Center and the American Forest Foundation.

 

Credit: College credits can be arranged in advance with the institution of your choice. Staff can provide program documentation as necessary.

 

Plan Your Travel: All the information you need about arranging your travel and further details on the program will be posted to you upon registration.

 

 

For more information about the World Forestry Center International Educators Institute, please contact:

Rick Zenn, Senior Fellow
World Forestry Center

4033 SW Canyon Rd. Portland, Oregon 97221 USA
Direct Telephone: (503) 488-2103
rzenn@worldforestry.org

 

For more information about the IEI application process or to check the status of your application, please contact:

Chandalin Bennett, Fellowship Program Manager

World Forest Institute

4033 SW Canyon Rd. Portland, Oregon 97221 USA

Direct Telephone: 503-488-2137

cbennett@worldforestry.org