Teacher Formation Retreat Scheduled
Contact: Kay Hyatt at (207) 581-2761
ORONO, Maine — A professional development workshop to help educators at all levels explore the connection of life and work takes place Friday, May 19 in Waldoboro. Led by Richard Ackerman, University of Maine associate professor of Educational Leadership, the daylong retreat helps educators, kindergarten through college, focus on the personal characteristics that influence their teaching.
Based on the work of renowned educator Parker J. Palmer and the teacher formation principles outlined in his book, “The Courage to Teach,” the program is rooted in the belief that good teaching — and ultimately the revitalization of education — flows from the identity and integrity of the teacher. Formation gatherings focus on renewing the inner lives of teachers and leaders, not on techniques or strategies they might use in the classroom.
A national Courage to Teach facilitator with the Center for Courage and Renewal in Washington State, Ackerman has built collaboration for this process since coming to UMaine in 2003. Among collaborators are educators from the UMaine Cooperative Extension and the University of Maine at Farmington.
“We Teach Who We Are: A Spring Gathering for all Who Educate” will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the UMaine Cooperative Extension Knox-Lincoln Counties Office. Participant fee, including materials, refreshments and lunch is $30. Scholarships are available upon request. More information and registration are available from: Ackerman, (207) 581-3170; richard.ackerman@umit.maine.edu. Registration by May 5 is encouraged.