Farm to School Classes Take to the Road

We love bringing people to Shelburne Farms for activities and courses. But we can reach many more people when we take it to the road, bringing ongoing professional development courses to schools and educators across Vermont and New Hampshire. This spring, we partnered with regional Farm to School organizations to offer our Farm to School Curriculum Connections course in three locations. Over the course of three months, our sessions helped educators and administrators get hands-on experience and build more robust and integrated FTS programs in their schools.

In partnership with Northshire Grows, we offered the course in Manchester, VT, engaging 18 participants from the region. "Northshire Grows has thoroughly enjoyed working alongside VT FEED to host FTS professional development courses in Manchester," said Jennie Freeman of Northshire Grows.  "Teachers are realizing the scale of this food and education movement, are energized by the ideas and resources shared through guest speakers. They are now actively working on curriculum for their classrooms as well as plans to create whole school culture shifts. Ultimately, this will have big benefits for the health and wellness of their school’s communities."

With Upper Valley Farm to School, we offered a second course in Unity, NH, helping new Farm to School advocates to explore opportunities and understand the benefits of Farm to School. Jay Fisher, a teacher participating in the class, said, "Class has been a pleasure for me to attend. The topic is of critical importance. The collaboration is meaningful. Preparing foods is wonderful and lets us see and feel the product we are working toward. And unlike most courses and professional development I've attended, these classes gave me the time to complete meaningful work."

If you're interested in co-hosting or bringing a Farm to School Professional Development course in your area, learn more or get in touch!