The Chesapeake Institute this weekend [a Virginia Geographic Alliance Program in partnership with the National Geographic Society and with support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] was a fine experience. We had a very interested, enthused and competent group. Only one of the 39 had been in a previous VGA workshop. They were attentive, pitched in and were eager to share their ideas. The several teaching areas and grade levels represented and the large number of science teachers made for a rich collaborative learning experience. The diversity of presentations by the leadership team was very effective. The teachers responded well and left with excellent resources and with much to think about going forward.
Kudos to Ed [Kinman] and Annie [Evans] for superb organization before and during the institute and to Joe Garcia and Helen Ruth Aspaas for engaging and well organized presentations…and to Lyne Everhart for timely assistance and encouragement to all. I think that everyone can take satisfaction in a job well done. We have much work to do going forward and good lesson plans and materials will be forthcoming from the teachers.
Recruiting 39 teachers in the few weeks we had was no small achievement. Our well established social studies network and emerging science network came through. Importantly, this institute fit well with our strategic plan in many ways. We are building capacity and reaching new partners for future cooperative activities and projects.
….Bob Morrill, October 29, 2012
