Educator Institute

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About the Institute

The Emerald Bay Outdoor Academy Educator Institute is an immersive weekend retreat at Camp Emerald Bay for formal and informal educators that want to develop their competence in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Ocean Literacy within the company of other passionate educators in an inspiring and rejuvenating coastal setting. The Institute offers a mixture of structure class time, elective breakouts, and recreational activities such as hiking and snorkeling.

This event has past. This page will be updated when the next Educator Institute is scheduled.

PRICING   –   2022 INFORMATION   –   SCHEDULES   –   PHOTOS  –  TESTIMONIALS

Pricing:

all-inclusive, including boat transportation to and from the island

  • With grant stipend: Free to attend and a $500 stipend check will be provided after completion of the weekend. This is taxable stipend and a W9 must be provided.

  • Without grant stipend: $250 per person

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

2022 Educator Institute Information

  • Theme: The theme for the 2022 Institute is Using Science and Language Arts Standards to connect to the Natural World.

  • Where: Emerald Bay Outdoor Academy located at Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island.

  • When: Friday, March 18th to Sunday, March 20th

Check-in time for the ferry is 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m (2:55 p.m. Departure) and return to the mainland Sunday is approximately 1:00 p.m.. We will be riding the Catalina Express out of San Pedro, CA.

  • Who:  Formal and informal educators for all grades are invited to join. Emphasis in K-8, HS educators are welcome to reach out for more details.

  • Price & Stipend Information: We are thrilled to offer $500 stipends for up to 20 educators thanks to a generous grant from the Breech Foundation. The grant also covers fees associated with attending the weekend. Those interested in receiving the stipend will be required to complete a W9 form as it is a taxable stipend. Checks will be mailed after the completion of the Institute. Use code “STIPEND” at checkout.

  • For those who would prefer to pay instead of receiving the stipend, the cost of the institute is $250 which includes boat transportation.

COVID: In an effort to keep all participants safe we ask that all those attending be fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test (taken within 72hrs prior to arrival for PCR or within 24hrs prior to arrival for Rapid Antigen.)  

Lodging: Cabins are 8-person bunk style cabins. Rustic but with electricity. Participants should plan to bring sleeping bag/ bedding and a pillow.

Questions: For logistics, please email [email protected]. For content, please email [email protected]

Cancellations: We will be closely monitoring the status of COVID cases in the county and reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the event for the safety of the group. Refunds will be made available.

Emerald Bay Educator Institute 2022 Schedule

Educator Schedule
*Schedule subject to change*

 

Friday

2:00 – 2:30 PM: Check in for Ferry (Catalina Express San Pedro – Berth 95)

2:55 PM: Catalina Express Ferry Departs from San Pedro

4:10 PM: Catalina Express Arrival to Two Harbors

4:30 – 5:00 PM: Shore Boat to Camp Emerald Bay

5:00 – 6:30 PM: Cabin Assignments & Opening Circle

6:30 PM: Dinner

8:00 PM: Group Session #1: Starting with Natural Phenomena: Using naturally occurring phenomena we will celebrate curiosity and constructive curiosity practices, and how to transition these practices into your classroom.

9:30 PM: Free time, return to cabins

Saturday

7:30 AM: Breakfast

8:30 AM – Group Session #2 – Integrative Practices: Reinforcing shared practices between Language Arts and Science. We will explore how activities and lessons can be facilitated in a way that emphasizes the inherent connection between language arts skills and science content. We will model entire group activities and break down key pedagogical practices. We will end with an overview of the current body of researched evidence.

10:00 AM: Break

10:30 AM: Managing Outdoor Learning Spaces with Social Emotional Learning

12:00 PM: Break

12:30 PM: Lunch

1:00 PM – 2:30: Claims, Evidence, Reasoning in the Pennington Marine Science Center

2:30 PM: Free Time (Snorkel, hike, paddle, rest)

5:45 PM: Group Circle

6:00 PM: Dinner

7:00 – 8:30 PM: Small Groups Workshop / Affinity Groups

9:00 PM: Star Hike

Sunday

7:00 AM: Pack Up & Clean Cabins

7:30 AM: Breakfast

8:00 AM: Group Hike/Stroll: “Putting it All Together” & Final Share-Outs

10:15 AM: Line Up on Pier

10:30 AM: Shore Boat Departs Emerald Bay

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM: Catalina Express from Two Harbors to San Pedro

TESTIMONIALS

  • “Emerald Bay took learning and made it fun, which is hard to do”

    Ava, student

  • “I would say that it was a way to get closer to the people that you see everyday. Like for me I feel closer to my classmates than other classes because of this experience. My class and I were the first class in our school to go to this trip and it was filled with many fun activities. I think other people should visit because they will learn many new things and have fun rather than the everyday to day life. It’s nice to do something different. Like for me I sometimes get bored at home but knowing that I had something to do in a new place was nice compared to the same repetitive lifestyle. All of the staff were very helpful and happy to help and answer any questions that you have. The food was also great! Everything had a great flavor and everything was fresh and warm.”

    Emma, student

  • “Emerald Bay is so much fun, it teaches you to be a good contributor to the environment. It takes doing something serious into something fun! It makes your bunkmates feel like they are family, AND you might make new friends!”

    Liam, student