The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education

Place-based education (PBE) is an immersive learning experience that places students in local heritage, cultures, landscapes, opportunities, and experiences, using these as a foundation for the study of language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and other subjects across the curriculum. PBE is also a natural complement to personalized and project-based learning, providing a way to connect these efforts to students' local environments for engaging learning that leads to more engaged citizens. Although educators inherently recognize the value in PBE, the how of implementing it for their students remains a barrier.

This webinar explores how schools and districts can approach PBE from an instructional standpoint to provide their students with these powerful learning experiences. We will also explore considerations of place-based education in the era of social distancing.

Tom Vander Ark is an advocate for innovations in learning and the power of place. As CEO of Getting Smart, he advises school districts and networks, education foundations and funders, and impact organizations on the path forward. A prolific writer and speaker, he has published thousands of articles and coauthored more than 50 books and white papers and contributes to Forbes online.

Read more

Emily Liebtag supports communities in their efforts to lead innovation and school change from the ground up. Educators, parents, and students guide all of her work at Boundless. Emily has helped lead national projects focused on school transformation. Her work on these projects has ranged from designing strategic plans, to creating long-term evaluations, to hosting community conversations. She has led over 100 learning trips with educators and community members to see innovative practices in schools across the country.

Read more

Nate McClennen is the leader of Teton Science Schools' Place Network Schools, a comprehensive K–12 blended-learning program that combines an online learning experience with a place-based approach to help students better understand and engage in local rural communities. McClennan has been part of the leadership team at Teton Science Schools since 2011. In 2015, he became the Director of Education and Innovation, focusing on how to scale the impact of Teton Science Schools through technology, innovation, design learning, and school networks.

Read more