I just put in for a position at an Expeditionary Learning Charter School. I have heard of these schools, but never gave it much thought as I didn't know of any nearby. Turns out there are a few (
http://entheosacademy.org/ in Kearns,
http://www.venturelearning.org/ in Ogden, and a new one being built in Perry,
http://www.promontoryschool.org/pages/index.php) Promontory is where I applied.
Expeditionary Learning is learning through projects, especially community service projects. This is soooooo right up my alley! Here is an example, where a
kindergarten class researched the winter
Olympics, did various projects and raised money to send to future Olympians. I read about another example where kindergartners helped their local hospital create a child-friendly environment after their pediatric wing shut down. The kinders drew art work for the walls, created hospital-procedure books for the waiting rooms and raised money and bought toys for the waiting rooms. To incorporate regular curriculum, they researched hospitals, talked to hospital staff, learned about appropriate toys for waiting rooms and why they were appropriate (washable). They wrote letters to the hospital, they wrote books about hospital procedures. They kept track of money raised and were constantly asked "How much more?"-type questions. Really neat stuff! Once the project was completed, they received much thanks from the hospital staff and patients. They were made aware of how they could make a difference. I LOVE IT!! This is what I am supposed to do. Even if I get a reg-a-lar old teaching job, I will bring some expeditionary learning into it because I LOVE this! It is sooooo applicable.
Anyways, next Saturday, February 4, Promontory has invited all applicants to attend an all-day training that will familiarize us with the concept and introduce us to the director. I am excited!!
