The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Teacher-in-Residence returns to Holden Arboretum
Program helps strengthen tie among educators, raise awareness of resources
Holden Forests & Gardens is relaunching its Teacher-in-Residence program this year and is now seeking applicants.
The program gives fulltime teachers a chance for personal enrichment and professional growth by pursuing creative teaching ideas and innovative techniques with the support of Holden’s education staff and resources.
The teacher will spend 10 days this summer developing an in-depth outdoor experience for the Arboretum’s Forest Discover and Pond Adaptions programs.
The person chosen will receive a $1,600 stipend and have the opportunity to bring his or her classroom to the Arboretum for a free visit during the 201920 school year. There is the possibility of one graduate credit hour of independent study if the school district approves. Holden will cover the cost.
The deadline for applications is April 1.
“Their students also benefit, as the teacher in residence will have the opportunity to bring their students out to field test the new curriculum for free.”
— Vice President of Education Marian Williams
The program had been conducted at the Arboretum for 11 years before being placed on hiatus in 2011. Parts of past programs are still in use today, said Director of Academics Sharon Graper.
“This year will be different in that the teacher will be developing a curriculum specifically for use with groups at the Arboretum,” she said.
The program needs to align with Holden’s mission and state science standards. Lesson activities and background information will be produced using the expertise of Holden staff, the Corning Library, and the horticultural and natural resources of the Arboretum.
The project will be paid for by the Mastin Endowed Fund, which supports education.
Teacher-in-Residence helps to create stronger connections between Holden Forests & Gardens education staff and area teachers, and raises awareness of the programs and resources available to area schools at the Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden, said Vice President of Education Marian Williams.
“It’s also a lot of fun for the classroom teacher,” she said. “It’s a new environment for them to work in, and they have the opportunity to make use of our resources and connect with our staff experts as they craft new curriculums.
“Their students also benefit, as the teacher in residence will have the opportunity to bring their students out to field test the new curriculum for free.”
A complete description of qualifications is available at holdenarb.org under the “Education” dropdown menu.
To apply, submit a completed application including your resume and a sample of a curriculum you have developed to Graper at Holden Forests & Gardens, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, OH 44094 or by email at sgraper@holdenfg.org.