History

Place-Based Education Northwest was formed following a suggestion from a participant at a two-day workshop about this educational approach in November, 2005.  Its primary purpose has been to serve as a meeting place for people interested in making room for local knowledge and learning experiences in regional schools.  The organization’s first meeting was held in May of 2006.  Since then, twice-yearly meetings have been scheduled in early December and May at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.  These gatherings have provided an opportunity for local educators who have adopted place-based approaches to share what they are doing with others.  Presenters over the years have included, among others, Bob Carlson and Leslie Logan from West Linn-Wilsonville, Tom Horn from the Al Kennedy High School in Cottage Grove, Michael Becker from Hood River Middle School, Ed Armstrong from the Tillamook School District, Sarah Anderson from the Southwest Charter School in Portand, Frank McGowan and Rebecca Wagner from the Sunnyside Environmental School also in Portland, Charlie Graham from the Forest Grove Community School, and Jennifer and Mark Madland from the Academy for Citizens of Tomorrow at Leslie Middle School in Salem.  Meetings have also served as the springboard for the planning of local workshops and institutes about place-based education as well as presentations at regional conferences.

            If you wish to learn more about Place-Based Education Northwest, please contact Greg Smith at gasmith@lclark.edu or call 503-768-6119.