Update on AERO’s Online Courses
August 19, 2010 at 8:16 am | Posted in AERO, Education Events | Leave a CommentTags: AERO, Jerry Mintz, Ron Miller, School Starting, Start a School, History of Alternative Education
So far we only have six people who have expressed interest in the school starters course, the History and Theory of Educational Alternatives course, and the school starters in Spanish course. They will not be offered this year unless we have a significant amount of additional interest. We often have a slow start and last week was our first announcement, but the courses would ordinarily be starting in about a month, so we need to hear right away if you are interested. This is not a final commitment but it will give us an idea if we should pursue offering the courses. In our experience there is a big difference in success rate between those who take the school starters course and those who simply subscribe to the listserves. The daily give and take between participants and with staff and resource people is crucial. We have helped start over 40 new schools (http://www.educationrevolution.org/aero-start-up.html) and alternatives in the last four years we have been offering these courses. But it is a huge commitment of time on our part, and not justified without significant participation. At some point in the future we will offer the information in a kit form, but we feel that this is not as effective as the courses. Also, this is the first time we would offer the course in Spanish. Ron Miller has again agreed to offer the History and Theory class, which has always been enthusiastically received. We do not recommend taking more than one at a time because they are fairly intensive. Let us know if you have interest in any of the courses and which ones. Just reply to this e-newsletter or write to jerryaero@aol.com
For more information on last year’s courses go to:
http://www.educationrevolution.org/onlinecourses.html
Here are some of the evaluations of the course:
“What an amazing, diverse group of people! I told my husband last night that I feel that I’ve found my tribe, in a way. It’s really the first time in my life that I’ve been surrounded by people who are thinking about all of the things that I am, who are concerned about the same things that I am, who are passionate about the same things that I am, who are dedicated to putting their thoughts into action like I am. It is truly wonderful!” –Mary
“This class has helped me spell out my ideas and put them out there in a safe place that is supportive and helps me see what potential they have. This class has also inspired me to discuss my vision more with others (in person) and let people know not only what I feel is necessary in education, but WHY I feel it is so necessary. I have developed more confidence in articulating my vision and by doing so, have gotten lots of valuable feedback and support in surprising areas. It is quite an exciting time for me seeing all of the ideas I have been playing around with in my head for so long finally come out and take shape into something that seems a little more realistically feasible each day!” –Katie
“I do feel the course has assisted in getting closer to my goal of opening my school. I have learned a great deal from the topics and the questions/comments posted by the collective group. I have a new sense of confidence and peace about this process. I do not see it as such a big thing now. I am already open for school everyday for my children and now I am just including some others with a little different twist.” –Marianne
“This course has been spectacular– it really has opened many doors for me and made a *major* step in the right direction for me opening my school– both in what it has taught as well as in the people I have met.” –Alex
“This course has been immensely helpful. Among other things, I’ve discovered that there is a considerable body of literature on the subject of alternative education, but the literature is NOT readily available. You won’t encounter it as required reading in teacher preparation courses. You won’t find it in most public libraries. One thing I could do, I suppose, and it would be tax-deductible, would be to purchase the available materials from The Education Revolution website and DONATE them to the library.” — Robert
AERO’s radio show Sunday features Peter Bergson (RADIO)
July 9, 2010 at 5:36 pm | Posted in AERO, Education Events | Leave a CommentTags: AERO, Jerry Mintz, Open Connections, Peter Bergson
Our next Internet radio show will be this Sunday at 6 PM EDT. Peter Bergson is the founder of Open Connections, a homeschool resource center that “serves families who have chosen to create their own path for education and development.” See their website at http://www.openconnections.org/
The show is live and we need you readers to call in and spread the word about it. We can have up to five live callers at a time, and it is possible to put Skype callers on. You can also hear the show after it is live because it is immediately archived.
One of the purposes of the show is for AERO members and supporters to be able to interact with each other through the medium of radio.
“I loved hearing the radio show. AERO please keep this up! I’d love to hear more!”
You can listen to the show on your computer or by phone. You can listen to the show at:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/alternativeeducationresourceorganization
To listen to the show on the phone or call in, dial (917) 388-4514.
400 to Gather at AERO’s 7th Annual Conference in Albany, NY this week! (EVENT)
June 18, 2010 at 10:40 pm | Posted in AERO, AERO Conference, Education Events | Leave a CommentTags: AERO, AERO Conference
Follow the proceedings via Twitter using hashtag #aero7
Check out our program at www.educationrevolution.org/conference.html
It’s also not too late to register! Visit the site above and click on registration!
AERO Conference
“Learner-Centered Alternatives for Everyone!”
June 24-27, 2010
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Albany, NY
Turning Points: 35 Visionaries in Education Tell Their Own Stories (BOOK)
June 9, 2010 at 11:45 pm | Posted in AERO, Education Events, Education News, New Resource | Leave a CommentTags: Alternative Education, AERO, John Taylor Gatto, Carlo Ricci, Jerry Mintz, Riane Eisler, Deborah Meier, Susan Ohanian, Chris Mercogliano, Ron Miller, Yaacov Hecht, alfie kohn, Sharon Caldwell, David Gribble, Helen Hegener, Matt Hern, Mark Jacobs, Herbert Kohl, Mary Leue, Dennis Littky, Pat Montgomery, Kirsten Olson, Wendy Priesnitz, Tim Seldin, Herb Snitzer, Len Solo, Lynn Stoddard, Zoe Weil, Turning Points, Arnold Greenberg, Arnie Langberg, Educational Alternatives, Grace Llewellyn, Lynson Beaulieu, Lisa Delpit, Gustavo Esteva, Don “Four Arrows” Jacobs, Shilpa Jain, Basir Mchawi
Turning Points
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Isaac Graves, Outreach & Publicity
Press & Reviews: alternativeeducation@gmail.com
Sales: aerobookstore@gmail.com
Phone: (720) 475-1602 | Fax: (720) 475-1623
Website: www.educationvisionaries.com
Turning Points
35 Visionaries in Education Tell Their Own Stories
Edited by Jerry Mintz & Carlo Ricci
Foreword by Alfie Kohn
ISBN: 978-0-9745252-5-9
$29.95 | 432 Pages | 6×9 | Hardcover
Publish Date: July 1st, 2010 | AERO (Alternative Education Resource Organization)
Visionary Authors Include:
Lynson Beaulieu, Sharon Caldwell, Lisa Delpit, Riane Eisler, Gustavo Esteva, John Taylor Gatto, Arnold Greenberg, David Gribble, Yaacov Hecht, Helen Hegener, Matt Hern, Don “Four Arrows” Jacobs, Mark Jacobs, Shilpa Jain, Herbert Kohl, Arnie Langberg, Mary Leue, Dennis Littky, Grace Llewellyn, Basir Mchawi, Deborah Meier, Chris Mercogliano, Ron Miller, Jerry Mintz, Pat Montgomery, Susan Ohanian, Kirsten Olson, Wendy Priesnitz, Carlo Ricci, Tim Seldin, Herb Snitzer, Len Solo, Lynn Stoddard, Zoe Weil
Description:
Thirty-five visionary educators were asked:
What was your schooling like?
When did you realize that there is a need for an alternative approach?
What have you done since to help realize that vision?
What are you doing now?
Turning Points is an anthology of their responses, a peek into the lives and journeys of these pioneering individuals who have—and are—transforming what it means to be a teacher, a student, and a life-long learner.
PRE-ORDER Turning Points today and find out more at www.EducationVisionaries.com
Advance Praise:
“The [educators] we’re looking for are those who say, “I want to work to change this system so others will be spared what was done to me.” They have the compassion and the courage to shake up the status quo and denounce cruel traditions. They’ve mastered the art of negative learning and developed a commitment to making the world, or at least whatever part of it they come to inhabit, a better place than it was before they got there.”
Alfie Kohn, Education Week (adapted from the foreword)
“Turning Points is unique and fascinating. It offers us insights into how some of our most significant educational innovators and visionaries experienced their own educations and how these experiences brought them to their callings as adults. The book is intriguing and informative both as biography and as insights into our history of educational innovation during the past 50 years.”
David Marshak
Coordinator of Explorations Academy Online, adjunct lecturer at Fairhaven College, and author ofThe Common Vision: Parenting and Educating for Wholeness
“Anybody interested in Education will find Turning Points enlightening!”
Zoë Neill Readhead
Principal, Summerill School in England
“Turning Points is a marvelous compilation of personal memoirs of progressive educators. From Alfie Kohn’s stirring introduction to the heartfelt, intimate stories of some of the most influential progressive educators of our times, this volume is a revelation. This book is for those of us who need to get started and for those who need to be rejuvenated.”
Rick Posner, Ph.D.
Author of Lives of Passion, School of Hope: How One Public School Ignites a Lifelong Love of Learning
Read more praise at www.EducationVisionaries.com
Institute for Humane Education: Two Continuing Education Opportunities (EVENTS)
May 30, 2010 at 4:26 pm | Posted in AERO, Education Events | Leave a CommentTags: AERO, IHE, Institute for Humane Education
The Institute for Humane Education is offering two exciting continuing education opportunities for teachers this summer!
Teaching for a Better World: A Summer Institute for Educators
June 28-July 2, 2010
Institute for Humane Education in Surry, Maine
Space is limited
If you are passionate about building a just and sustainable world through education, join us for a week-long summer institute at our facility on the beautiful coast of Maine learning to incorporate pressing global issues into your teaching. Teaching for a Better World will rejuvenate you and your teaching. Develop new ideas and practice new skills with other committed educators who share your enthusiasm for inspiring hope and action among youth. Each day is designed to give you an opportunity for personal and professional inquiry into global ethical issues and the core tenets and purpose of education. You will learn about interconnected global issues including environmental preservation, human rights, animal protection, and media & culture and explore the role education can play in the health and future of our world. Tuition: $575 (includes lunch, snacks and course text. Does NOT include lodging, travel and evening meals.) Earn 4.0 CEUs (40 contact hours) issued through the University of Maine for an additional $10. The Institute for Humane Education is just a 30-minute drive from Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. Who should attend? New and experienced classroom teachers and community educators who wish to inspire their students to think critically and creatively about pressing global challenges and infuse their curricula with even greater relevancy and meaning, regardless of the grade they teach, educational setting, or the subject areas in which they specialize. Group discount available: Register five or more people to receive a discount of $75 off per person. To register a group, email us: info@humaneeducation.org or call (207) 667-1025; Contact: Amy Morley, Operations and Events Manager, Institute for Humane Education, (207) 667-1025; amy@humaneeducation.org
Learn more & register: http://humaneeducation.org/sections/view/summer_institute
Download a brochure: http://humaneeducation.org/documents/view/262
Lodging, travel & logistics info: http://humaneeducation.org/documents/view/250
Print a flyer: http://humaneeducation.org/documents/view/263
Teaching for a Positive Future
July 5-30, 2010
A month-long distance learning summer institute for educators who want to inspire their students to become leaders
and changemakers for a healthy, peaceful, and sustainable world
Early bird deadline: June 13 (Save $25!)
Inspire your students to become leaders & changemakers for a just, compassionate, sustainable world by participating in our distance learning summer institute this July. You’ll explore the interconnected global issues of environmental preservation, human rights, animal protection, and media & culture and learn new ways to integrate these topics into your curriculum from the comfort of your home and without the expense of travel. You’ll develop new techniques and ideas to revolutionize and revitalize your teaching, making it more rewarding, interesting, and meaningful for both you and your students. Participants complete five exercises per week (about 5-8 hours total per week), with access to an online discussion forum and frequent phone salons that provide connection and support throughout the course. Tuition: $125 (includes course text). Earn 3.5 CEUs (35 contact hours) issued through the University of Maine for an additional $10. Who should participate? New and experienced classroom teachers and community educators who wish to inspire their students to think critically and creatively about pressing global challenges and infuse their curricula with even greater relevancy and meaning, regardless of the grade they teach, the educational setting, or the subject areas in which they specialize. Special rate for teachers from the same school: $80; Contact: Amy Morley, Operations and Events Manager, Institute for Humane Education, (207) 667-1025; amy@humaneeducation.org
Learn more & register: http://humaneeducation.org/sections/view/teaching_for_a_positive_future
Download a brochure: http://humaneeducation.org/documents/view/253
Print a flyer: http://humaneeducation.org/documents/view/255
Nel Noddings Keynote Talk @ Voyagers’ Conference 2009 (VIDEO)
March 20, 2010 at 6:31 pm | Posted in AERO, AERO Online Video Series, Education Events, New Resource | Leave a CommentTags: AERO, Karen Giuffre’, Nel Noddings, Voyagers' Community School
Voyagers’ Community School is hosting their 2nd annual conference May 18-21. Visit http://www.voyagerskids.com/blog/ for more information.
On January 22nd and 23rd Voyager Community School in New Jersey hosted an important conference, one which may set a precedent for other alternative schools around the country. It was called Creativity, Community and Conscience, Progressive Education in the 21st Century and was held at the school in Farmingdale, New Jersey.
One if the major speakers, Nel Noddings, is a well known author and professor of Education at Stanford University. She spent seventeen years as an elementary and high school mathematics teacher and school administrator, before earning her PhD and beginning work as an academic in the fields of philosophy of education, theory of education and ethics, specifically moral education and ethics of care. She became a member of the Stanford faculty in 1977, and was the Jacks Professor of Child Education from 1992 until 1998. While at Stanford University she received awards for teaching excellence in 1981, 1982 and 1997, and was the associate dean or acting dean of the School of Education for four years. After leaving Stanford University, she held positions at Columbia University and Colgate University. She is past president of the Philosophy of Education Society and the John Dewey Society. In 2002-2003 she held the John W. Porter Chair in Urban Education at Eastern Michigan University. She has been Lee L. Jacks Professor of Education, Emerita, at Stanford University since she retired in 1998.
Nel Noddings has 10 children and in 2004 had been married for 54 years. She has described her early educational experiences and her close relationships as key in her development of her philosophical position.
Contributions to philosophy
Noddings’ first sole-authored book Caring: A Feminine Approach to Ethics and Moral Education(1984) followed close on the 1982 publication of Carol Gilligan’s ground-breaking work in the ethics of care In a Different Voice. While her work on ethics continued, with the publication of Women and Evil (1989), and later works on moral education, most of her later publications have been on the philosophy of education and educational theory. Her most significant works in these areas have been Educating for Intelligent Belief or Unbelief (1993) and Philosophy of Education (1995).
The DVD of her talk is now available only through the AERO Bookstore in conjunction with Voyagers’ Community School (http://www.voyagerskids.com).
Voyagers’ Community School 2nd Annual Education Conference
March 5, 2010 at 4:35 pm | Posted in AERO, Education Events | Leave a CommentTags: AERO, AERO Conference, The Patchwork School, Democratic Education, Voyagers' Community School, Lella Gandini, Karen Giuffre, Isaac Graves, Reggio, Reggio Emilia, Elizabeth Baker, Patchwork School, Karen Chayot, Kathy Goldenberg, The Project P.L.A.Y. School, Kadi Cook, A Child’s Place School, Karen Giuffre’, Richard Knab, Sandy Miller, Kelly Sadowski, NJEEPRE, Susan Wier
Voyagers’ Community School 2nd Annual Education Conference
“The Value of Community”
Teaching and Learning In Community With Children and Adolescents
Keynote Speaker: Lella Gandini, EdD
May 18 – 21, 2010
Farmingdale, NJ
www.voyagerskids.com/blog for more information
Workshops Include
Doing Democracy with Young Children
Elizabeth Baker, Founder and Director of The Patchwork School, Louisville, Colorado
Developing Genuine Relationships Through the Art of Play
Karen Chayot, CDA and Kathy Goldenberg, MEd Co-Founders, The Project P.L.A.Y. School
The Richness of Collaboration Between School Communities: The Mushroom Project
Kadi Cook, MEd, Teacher/Researcher, Voyagers’ Community School and Debra Piescor, Master Teacher, A Child’s Place School
Negotiating Learning in Community with Children: Vibrant engagement and anticipation
Karen Giuffre’, MEd, Founder and Director of Voyagers’ Community School
Democratic Education: Foundations & Practice
Isaac Graves, Outreach Coordinator and Conference Director for The Alternative Education Resource Organization
When Students Aspirations Challenge a Teacher’s Sensibility
Richard Knab, Teacher/Researcher, Voyagers’ Community School
Lego and Math: The Perfect Match
Sandy Miller, Teacher/Researcher, Voyagers’ Community School
Designing An Atelier With Children at the Helm
Kelly Sadowski, Voyagers’ Parent, Board Member NJEEPRE
Using Creative Art to Express Ideas about Where Lions and Tigers Live When They Are Not in a Zoo
Susan Wier, Master Teacher, A Child’s Place School
Distance Learning Programs with the Institute for Humane Education
February 9, 2010 at 8:56 am | Posted in AERO, Education Events | Leave a CommentTags: AERO, Humane Education, IHE, Institute for Humane Education, MOGO, Raising a Humane Child
Distance Learning Programs with the Institute for Humane Education
Whether you are a concerned citizen, parent, or educator (or all three), our month-long distance learning courses immerse you in connecting with your deepest values and helping create a humane world. Learn more & register: http://humaneeducation.org/sections/view/distance_learning_programs.
RAISING A HUMANE CHILD
A month-long distance learning course for parents who wish to bring the principles and practices of humane education to their child-rearing and family life.
March 1-26, 2010
October 4-29, 2010
Developed for parents with children of any age, Raising a Humane Child will expand your parenting strategies to help you bring humane education concepts and values to your children and manifest your vision for a better world, starting with your family.
A BETTER WORLD, A MEANINGFUL LIFE
A month-long distance learning course for people who want to put their vision for a better world into practice.
May 3-28, 2010
September 6-October 1, 2010
Learn to tap into your deepest values and help create a peaceful, just, compassionate, sustainable world while cultivating your own inner peace and joy. Through this month-long course, you’ll have the opportunity to assess your life, examine your values, explore new information and do more good for yourself, other people, animals, and the environment.
TEACHING FOR A POSITIVE FUTURE
A month-long distance learning summer institute for educators who want to inspire their students to become leaders and change-makers for a healthy, peaceful, and sustainable world.
July 5-30, 2010
Teaching for a Positive Future is designed to train classroom teachers, community educators and homeschooling parents to effectively teach critical thinking about social justice, environmental ethics, and animal protection, and enhance your students’ understanding that their choices make an impact on themselves, their local community, the fate of other people, other species, and the Earth. The course’s emphasis throughout on building critical thinking skills provides participants with a constructive approach for teaching about complex, controversial issues. You’ll develop new techniques and ideas to revolutionize and revitalize your students’ education and to make your teaching even more rewarding, interesting, and meaningful.
Each course includes:
- a course book
- a booklet of exercises
- links to relevant resources
- access to the Online Commons for engaging with your fellow students and the course advisor(s)
- guidance and feedback from your course advisor(s)
- participation in one or more course salons (conference calls)
- a certificate of completion and/or Continuing Education Credits, if desired
Upcoming Conferences!
February 5, 2010 at 1:12 pm | Posted in AERO, AERO Conference, Education Events | Leave a CommentTags: AERO, AERO Conference, Education Conferences, Education Events
Visit www.educationrevolution.org/conferences.html to see what great education events are coming up!
Should we add an event? E-mail alternativeeducation@gmail.com with the title, dates, location, and website.
Second Annual Education Conference: Teaching and Learning In Community With Children and Adolescents
February 3, 2010 at 12:45 am | Posted in AERO, Democratic Education, Education Events | Leave a CommentTags: AERO, Democratic Education, Education Conferences, Farmingdale Events, Isaac Graves, Karen Giuffre, Lella Gandini, Voyagers' Community School
May 18 – 21, 2010
Keynote Speaker: Lella Gandini
For educators, parents and professionals who work with children.
Voyagers’ Community School
127 Yellowbrook Road
Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Phone: 732-842-1660
Visit http://www.voyagerskids.com/blog/ to download a brochure and find out more information.
AERO’s Isaac Graves will be presenting the following workshop:
Democratic Education: Foundations and Practice
Democratic Education has been given many definitions over time. This workshop gives a concise overview of how democratic education takes place, the various learning environments it takes place in, and what is at the heart of it all. Using first hand examples and experiences, this will be an informative and interactive presentation.
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