Teaching for Community: Reflection Retreats at Shelburne Farms

Teaching For Community

Reflection Writing Retreats
at Shelburne Farms

The Reflection Retreats are a joint enterprise of Shelburne Farms and Community Works.
Experience this exciting new support program for educators—focused upon providing an opportunity for reflective writing.
Please contact us for information on upcoming events.

Archive of Teachers' Reflections
A collection of teacher written reflections on their work with students.

“Having time to reflect and write is almost
nonexistent in the teaching world, and it is so important.”
Nancy Ancharski, Keene, New Hampshire
Reflection Retreat Participant

Thank you SO very much for an absolutely wonderful weekend in an unbeatable setting and with absolutely lovely food! It was nourishment for the soul, in so many different ways—and a treat to meet so many intriguing, thoughtful colleagues!
Bisse Bowman
Young Achievers Science and Math Pilot School
Boston, Massachussetts

Participant educators work hard reflecting on and writing about their curriculum, over the course of a weekend—taking ample opportunity to enjoy each other's experiences and company. Participating educators all share the goal of connecting students to their communities, encouraging them to know, participate in, and care about the future of the places that nurture them.

"It was great to have the opportunity to look back,
evaluating, get to the ‘big picture,’ and be reinspired
by colleagues and their work."
Steve Glazer, Director
Vital Communities/Valley Quest Program
Reflection Retreat Participant

We work hard to help hone educators' experiences in ways that will speak to and inspire their peers.

We also have the practical aim of wanting to share their work as part of ongoing qualitative evaluation, but above all we want to provide the gift of time to think about and celebrate what they and their students had accomplished.

Over the course of two and a half days in January, we talk, write, edit, tell stories, eat, laugh, and hike the frozen trails near Lake Champlain. Later, revised and semi-polished we share our work aloud. Selected reflections are often published in Community Works Journal

Contact Us for information on upcoming Reflection Writing Retreat opportunities.

We are pleased to be able to share this rich tapestry of teaching and learning experiences with you here.

Archive of Teachers' Reflections A collection of teacher written reflections on their work with students