Graduate student working with students in the IslandWood greenhouse. Photo provided courtesy of IslandWood Graduate Program

Offered in partnership with the University of Washington College of Education, our graduate residency program runs from late-August to mid-June and is based on our 250-acre campus on Bainbridge Island, WA. The program includes graduate-level course work in environmental education through a justice-oriented lens, biweekly outdoor teaching experiences, and 1:1 mentoring.

We approach environmental education through a multidisciplinary, place-based, and culturally responsive lens. Through both the practicum and the courses we offer, the graduate program prepares educators to create environmental learning experiences that honor students’ full selves and recognize the validity and importance of multiple knowledge sources and systems.

In classes and through coursework, mentorship, and applied learning sessions, graduate students explore various pedagogical approaches, deepen their understanding of their own positionality, and gain strategies for equity-based education. The teaching practicum allows students to put theory into practice and evolve their skills as educators within a STEAM-focused residential environmental learning environment.

If you're interested in growing your practice and theoretical foundations as a justice oriented educator, this program could be a great fit for you! We love to hear from prospective students, and encourage you to reach out and connect at eec@islandwood.org or through our information request form. Check out our instagram or join us for a digital information session!