2015 Institute Phillips Academy andover

The 10th Annual Independent Schools Experiential Education Network (ISEEN) was held at Phillips Academy Andover (just outside of Boston, MA) from January 21-24, 2015.

Phillips Academy has had dedicated experiential education programming as part of its offerings since the early 1950’s and has one of the most impressive portfolios of programs of any independent schools.The theme for the Institute was “Roots and Wings” looking at the past, present, and future of experiential education in independent schools.

Areas of Discussion/Focus included:

* A Panel Discussion on the Past, Present, and Future of Experiential Education in Independent Schools

* "Imagining Online Learning as Experiential Education" (Eric Hudson, Dean of Instruction, Global Online Academy)

* "Permeability and Connectivity: Two Signs on the Experiential Learning Road Map" (Grant Lichtman, Senior Fellow, The Martin Institute)

* "Leading with Nature: Achieving Sustainability Literacy Through Experiential Education" (Josh Hahn, Assistant Head of School, Environmental Initiatives, Hotchkiss School)

* "Giving Wings to Student Leadership Development" (David Streight, Executive Director, Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education (CSEE)

* "Our Personal Progress" (Dan Garvey, President Emeritus, Prescott College)

* Administrators' and students' perspective on the Phillips Academy experiential education curricula

* "Ask an Expert" Learning Lab

* Advanced Practitioners Breakfast

* Extended time in specialized groups (outdoor/adventure education, global education, and service learning) to focus on individual school problems/solutions and roundtable networking topics relevant to each specialization.

* Extended time for informal networking through longer break periods, dynamic activities, and group dinners.

Optional Pre-Conference Workshops on Wednesday January 21st included:

* Legal Fundamentals for Programs with Reb Gregg, 9am-11:30am, $75.00

* Developing Meaningful Global Trip Curricula: Vicki Weeks, 9am-11:30am, $75.00

* Welcome & Orientation for all First Timers to ISEEN, including "Talking your Walk; Understanding the theory of experiential education pedagogy and how to connect it in conversation with various stakeholders" with members of the ISEEN Board of Directors, 12:30-2:00pm

* Canadian Experiential Educators Forum, 2:00-4:30pm, $50.00

Optional Post-Conference Workshop on Saturday January 24th:

* Active Debriefs, Larry Childs, Project Adventure, 1:00-3:30pm, $100.00

Please contact [email protected] with any questions regarding the Institute..