FAQ

What is Place-Based Education?

Place-based education is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge within their community.

Explore PBSE principles here!

I'm not a formal educator, but I teach students. Am I eligible to apply?

All educators working with K-12th grade students interested in exploring sustainability issues may apply. Non-formal educators should consider whether their situation allows them to complete the fellowship expectations, including their ability to design and implement a project and place-based learning experience around a local sustainability issue during the school year that engages a classroom of students in at least 5 hours of outdoor learning, including an action program and public student presentations. Working with a partner educator is acceptable as long as each fellow is involved directly in designing and implementing the experience with students. Please contact us for more information.

I work with undergraduate or community college students. Am I eligible to apply?

In some cases, we have allowed college instructors to apply to our program, but this is taken on a case-by-case basis. Interested educators should consider whether their situation allows them to complete the fellowship expectations. Please contact us to discuss your interest. 

Are teachers outside of the highlighted area eligible to participate?

At this time, the fellowship is restricted to educators teaching in Arenac, Bay, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw counties or districts in the surrounding area. If you are unsure if your area is eligible, please feel free to contact us.

How to Become a Community Partner?

Read more on the Becoming a Community Partner webpage.