Shorecrest ES Teachers attend Reggio Emilia Conference

Thanks to the generosity of the Shorecrest community through the Teachers Fund, Experiential School Teachers Vicky Sweet and Jessica Auker had a fantastic time visiting the city of Reggio Emilia, Italy. They attended a 3 1/2 day conference centered around the Reggio Emilia Approach at the Loris Malaguzzi Center. This educational philosophy emphasizes a child's potential and rights, and encourages learning through exploration, play, and real-world experiences. Many of the values overlap those practiced in Shorecrest classrooms, including prioritizing the child as the center of the educational experience. 

Highlights of the conference included several lectures and presentations led by pedagogistas* who work within the Reggio Emilia school system, a tour of the Centre for Documentation and Research, as well as multiple ateliers within the Loris Malaguzzi Centre. They also visited the famous Remida Recycling Centre and had the chance to see the interior of a well-known Reggio preschool. They particularly enjoyed sharing their ideas with other teachers who also worked within Reggio-inspired schools, and loved participating in group activities that deepened their knowledge and understanding of the approach. 

When the two returned to Shorecrest, they led a professional development discussion for the ES teaching team.

In May, ES Teachers Nina Beggins, Merry Markunas and Ginger Thompson will join another study group in Reggio Emilia and deepen their understanding in an effort to offer more supportive, inclusive, and enriching learning that empowers children to reach their full potential.

“The Teachers Fund is the gift that keeps giving and we are very grateful and appreciative of the opportunities it provides,” said Adriana Hollenbeck, Director of The Experiential School.

*Pedagogista is a specific role defined as an active discussant that guides educators, works with them on observation and documentation, collaborates on projects involving publishing, curates exhibitions, and conducts professional learning and development for educators and families.

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