As Ashlei and Maya are in the midst of their learning journey tour, this week we want to highlight some of what they are experiencing and learning, as well as some other resources around education, sustainability, and the general season.
It’s an important time to be thinking about different aspects of the future of education.
For those of you in the northeast, please do join us on Saturday, May 18 at 7pm for an open community fire circle at Alnoba in New Hampshire. Both Maya and Ashlei, amongst others, will be there. If you want to join, please send us an email at: admin@regenerativeschool.org
Here is a note from the traveling researchers:
The Regenerative School and Empower with Nature are collaborating for the Future of Education tour. Led by Ashlei Laing, Co-founder and Director of Rē, and Maya Galimidi, Founder of Empower with Nature, our journey is about reconnecting with long-time partners and community and weaving new partnerships. We're traversing diverse landscapes, meeting with a variety of groups including social justice advocates, activists, artists, eco farms, indigenous communities, and universities. At the Future of Education tour, we're not just exploring; we're actively shaping the future. Our mission goes beyond mere observation; we're revisiting our educational programs by engaging with colleagues and youth to understand their needs, ideas, and aspirations. Our goal is to co-create an educational paradigm that serves future generations, nurturing their potential and fostering a deep connection to the world around them.
Currently, in Tennessee, we're grateful for the connections and wisdom shared. Our journey began with a visit to Highlander, renowned for its history and work in social justice, followed by discussions with Felix Bivens about the future of education and participatory research. Exploring Heaven Earth, we marveled at the beauty of design, architecture, and nature's materials.
On the second day, we convened with Growing Roots, immersing ourselves in discussions about education systems, community, inclusion, economic models, Indigenous knowledge, and experiential learning, over a picturesque lunch by a creek. It was inspiring to see individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and generations come together to envision the future of education.
Resources to check out:
Highlander: No Ordinary School Second Edition • John M. Glen
We See You: The Encampment as a Radical Reimagining • Protean Magazine - an experience of hope from someone who is within the campus protests currently alive in many parts of the nation.
An Introduction to Sustainability Education • Environmental Solutions Initiative. This is a recent (2022) academic literature review on this topic.
College campus protests and the value of a degree • Make Me Smart podcast from NPR - a short but interesting consideration of how current protests are
My Gentle Barn: Learning to Listen to Animals | Ellie Laks • TEDxWilmingtonWomen - a cool story about listening to animals.
Do 'Natural' Insect Repellents Work? • Consumer Reports - as we are in the early phase of tick season,
And- if it’s been a while since you have checked out our own online course portal, please do so!