Educators Conference Explores Experiential Education
The Island School Educators Conference started in 1998 with the mission of sharing and imagining how The Island School can impact all who come to work and live with us.
Every summer, we turn our campus on Cape Eleuthera into a learning laboratory for educators and partnership leaders interested in experiential education. Our annual week-long conference provides a unique opportunity for program participants to challenge themselves to become students engaged in sustainable community living and place-based learning.
This group came from educational institutions and partner organizations from all around the world. This year, we welcomed 17 visiting educators from more than a dozen sending schools, including a master teacher and—for the first time—an Island School alum.
Led by Island School campus leaders, the group dove into the Island School experience (both literally and figuratively) to challenge themselves mentally, physically, and emotionally. In the same way that we challenge our students, we asked these bright minds to push themselves out of their comfort zones–which they did not fall short of. Anna Becker, The Island School Director of External Affairs and conference co-leader, said, “While this group of educators and partners are so used to facilitating a student journey and falling into the role of supporter, for many of them, they were new to the role as lead learners and the ones who were seeking out the support. It is equally as incredible and meaningful for adults to truly experience hands-on learning, understand the importance of the community surrounding them when they are navigating new and uncomfortable situations, and be pushed to think differently or take on new perspectives. I loved observing everyone experience their own version of proudful ‘ah-ha’ moments.”
Participants were introduced to new methods for reflection and observation through nature journaling and Querencia time, which is a moment of pause for reflection and solitude in nature. The group also spent time in the field with researchers at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, getting hands on with marine and sustainable products research. Following in-depth Harkness discussions and readings, the group spent one day traveling down island, having the opportunity to immerse themselves in both the natural and cultural environment of South Eleuthera; they visited historical landmarks, engaged in conversations with local community members, and observed the direct impacts of tourism and development across the island. Together, they lived sustainably on our campus, with introductions to our sustainable systems and their impacts within. They left our campus feeling inspired and eager to create change in their communities.
This year’s conference Master Teacher and Morristown Beard School science teacher, Brad Turner, participated in the 2019 Educators Conference and also brings his students to our campus through our Visiting Programs for immersive educational experiences on a regular basis. As he led deep, meaningful discussions with the group, he was impressed by the level of engagement and said, “The conference fostered an environment where everyone felt comfortable sharing ideas and experiences, which led to rich, collaborative learning…There was a shared commitment to learning and growth, which made the experience more impactful… I left with new strategies, resources, and a renewed sense of enthusiasm and confidence for my work in the classroom.”
One participant had the opportunity to experience The Island School as both a student and, now, as an educator. Heather Brockbank, who was a Fall 2021 student at The Island School and a Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholar (BESS). She now serves as the Office & Outreach Assistant at the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF). Heather shared, “The conference was truly eye-opening. It introduced me to innovative learning methods that I’m excited to use to deepen Bahamian students’ connection with their marine environment. It’s inspiring to think about the new ways I can help them see the beauty and importance of our oceans.”
The Educators Conference reminds us all about the powers of education and how it provides the opportunity for every type of learner to discover the tools necessary to create transformative experiences across many different environments. Lexa Lopez, 2024 Educators Conference participant and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Franklin Academy, shared her experience through the lens of leadership and sustainability in this blog.
We look forward to opening up our campus as a learning laboratory to another cohort of educators next summer. The 2025 Educators Conference dates are TBD; to receive a notification once the dates are set and registration opens on March 1st, please submit the form on this page!