The Global, Environmental & Outdoor
Education Council
An Interdisciplinary Specialist Council of the Alberta Teachers Association.
GEOEC is your resource for teaching in the area of global, environmental, and outdoor education.
Become a member, take part in our conference and workshops, receive teaching ideas, and bring global, environmental and outdoor education into your classroom.
Our mission is to provide resources and venues for dialogue and networking, as well as to promote quality professional development for Alberta teachers. Members receive current news items, food for thought through our journal Connections, teaching ideas, and information about our workshop series.
We are also active on Facebook and Twitter, with up-to-date information
on PD opportunities and initiatives in Alberta.
Education Council
An Interdisciplinary Specialist Council of the Alberta Teachers Association.
GEOEC is your resource for teaching in the area of global, environmental, and outdoor education.
Become a member, take part in our conference and workshops, receive teaching ideas, and bring global, environmental and outdoor education into your classroom.
Our mission is to provide resources and venues for dialogue and networking, as well as to promote quality professional development for Alberta teachers. Members receive current news items, food for thought through our journal Connections, teaching ideas, and information about our workshop series.
We are also active on Facebook and Twitter, with up-to-date information
on PD opportunities and initiatives in Alberta.
EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS!
GEOEC Annual AGM
Saturday, May 6th, 2023
We invite you to join us for our 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place at 3:00 PM Mountain Standard Time on Saturday, May 6th, via Zoom Call
We will take this time to provide you an update on GEOEC activities during this past year, and answer any questions you have.
Participation on the board is one of the ways to help shape GEOEC's contribution to environmental learning in Alberta. Board members are expected to participate in monthly teleconferences, contribute to the work of committees, and to attend an annual planning retreat, which is held in conjunction with the annual conference.
To serve on the board you must be a GEOEC member in good standing and must be a member of the ATA. GEOEC values diverse perspectives and welcomes individuals of all ages, heritage, education, gender, income, location, and physical ability.
Saturday, May 6th, 2023
We invite you to join us for our 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place at 3:00 PM Mountain Standard Time on Saturday, May 6th, via Zoom Call
We will take this time to provide you an update on GEOEC activities during this past year, and answer any questions you have.
Participation on the board is one of the ways to help shape GEOEC's contribution to environmental learning in Alberta. Board members are expected to participate in monthly teleconferences, contribute to the work of committees, and to attend an annual planning retreat, which is held in conjunction with the annual conference.
To serve on the board you must be a GEOEC member in good standing and must be a member of the ATA. GEOEC values diverse perspectives and welcomes individuals of all ages, heritage, education, gender, income, location, and physical ability.
The overarching theme for the 2023 Outdoor Learning Conference is “Place and Pedagogy: Where Learning Happens”. This year’s inaugural Conference will focus on Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Health and Wellbeing and Environmental and Climate Change Education.
We will hear from experts in these fields through keynote presentations, panel discussions and hands-on, educational workshops. Take Me Outside, The Canadian Network for Environmental Education and the Outdoor Learning Store are proud to host this conference and hope that you are able to come and build community through inclusion, inspiration and ideas.
We will hear from experts in these fields through keynote presentations, panel discussions and hands-on, educational workshops. Take Me Outside, The Canadian Network for Environmental Education and the Outdoor Learning Store are proud to host this conference and hope that you are able to come and build community through inclusion, inspiration and ideas.
FUTURE EVENTS AND NEWS
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT & ANNOUNCEMENTS
K-3 Outdoor Explorers Backpack!
In collaboration with the incredible Alberta Organization - Inside Education
Not only will this teacher PD provide you with tips and ideas for bringing your Division I students outside, it will also provide you with your very own K-3 Tool Kit, which includes a Teacher’s Guide and a backpack full of supplies that you can use to get your students outside right away!
This kit will give you the tools and ideas you’ll need to start exploring natural spaces with your students. This kit has the building blocks for outdoor lessons in science, physical education, art, math and language arts for Kindergarten to Grade 3. Along with a full teacher guide, you will receive all the equipment including , and more! (valued at ~$200). Not only will you get it for free, but we will also show you how to use all the equipment and facilitate meaningful curriculum-connected activities.
Themes:
This kit will give you the tools and ideas you’ll need to start exploring natural spaces with your students. This kit has the building blocks for outdoor lessons in science, physical education, art, math and language arts for Kindergarten to Grade 3. Along with a full teacher guide, you will receive all the equipment including , and more! (valued at ~$200). Not only will you get it for free, but we will also show you how to use all the equipment and facilitate meaningful curriculum-connected activities.
Themes:
- Tips & Best Practices for outdoor learning
- Environmental Awareness
- The Forest Floor
- Our Changing World
- Nature Stories
- Nature in Your Community
FIVE MINUTE FIELD TRIPS: VOLUME 2
Exciting NEWS!
Our latest edition of Five Minute Field Trips: Volume 2 is here!
Head on over to our Resource Section to check it out!
Exciting NEWS!
Our latest edition of Five Minute Field Trips: Volume 2 is here!
Head on over to our Resource Section to check it out!
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Nation Wide Virtual Campfire
Monthly! Dates are being finalized as we speak for the 2022-23 School Year! 7 pm to 8 pm (MST) Come join us for this amazing networking opportunity. With our partners at Take Me Outside and the Outdoor Learning Store we proudly look forward to hosting you! For more details register below! |
Members, Educators, and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Welcome back to another year of exploring, inspiring and outdoor adventures. The team at GEOEC is extremely excited to once again be returning to in person, hands on, experiences. The last few years have been extremely tough on everyone. Our goal this year is to reconnect you with your school communities and return our sense of belonging we once had. The outdoors has always been a place to gather, welcome and reflect. Our intentions this year are the same.
While we increase and add to our list of face-to-face workshops, we will be mindful of those virtual opportunities that so many of you uses as a pathway to connection with others.
First and foremost, we must acknowledge what a year this has been. I know I certainly felt anxious going into this year with so many unknowns, but at the same time was excited for the opportunity to see students again and the possibilities to adventure with them. Despite all of the challenges, hoops, roadblocks, and detours that you educators have had to navigate around this school year, you have managed to not only get through it but make an extremely impactful year for students. Once again, in the fall we had no idea what was ahead or what to expect, but classrooms became a place of learning, laughter, excitement, and inquiry. Some of you have made this look very easy, when we know very well, it has not been.
The Executive team for The Global, Environmental & Outdoor Education Council has been working hard this fall to help support teachers across the province. From workshops to webinars, speaker series, and conventions, GEOEC has lots plan for you this year! Hosting multiple before winter break, our executive team is working extremely hard to provide a wide variety of experiences and opportunities for all members across the province. Our Virtual Campfires are still nationwide, teaming up with Take Me Outside once again. We hope that you are able to attend one or more of the events and we look forward to finally meeting some of you live and in person!
I encourage you to be in touch with our executive team if you need any form of professional development in your school division. We would love nothing more than to host an event in your area and provide support on the topics of global, environmental, and outdoor education.
I would like to take this time to thank each and every Executive Member of our council for all their time, dedication, and effort put forth to help inspire and support teachers across this province. This council would be nowhere near our target today if it wasn’t for this inspiring team! Surround yourself with inspiring, hardworking, and amazing people, and you won’t be surprised at the incredible results that are produced. I could not ask for a better team of educators to work with on a day-to-day basis. Our team would love to help your school, community, and teachers further with resources and professional development. If there is a need for Global, Environmental & Outdoor Council sessions at a convention, conference, or PD event near you, please contact us so we can set something up for the future.
Please keep up to date by following us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Do not hesitate to send us a note with any questions you may have. A huge thank you to all teachers across the province for your amazing work in your communities. Best of luck with all your adventures and hopefully we will see you on the trails very soon.
Court Rustemeyer
GEOEC President
Welcome back to another year of exploring, inspiring and outdoor adventures. The team at GEOEC is extremely excited to once again be returning to in person, hands on, experiences. The last few years have been extremely tough on everyone. Our goal this year is to reconnect you with your school communities and return our sense of belonging we once had. The outdoors has always been a place to gather, welcome and reflect. Our intentions this year are the same.
While we increase and add to our list of face-to-face workshops, we will be mindful of those virtual opportunities that so many of you uses as a pathway to connection with others.
First and foremost, we must acknowledge what a year this has been. I know I certainly felt anxious going into this year with so many unknowns, but at the same time was excited for the opportunity to see students again and the possibilities to adventure with them. Despite all of the challenges, hoops, roadblocks, and detours that you educators have had to navigate around this school year, you have managed to not only get through it but make an extremely impactful year for students. Once again, in the fall we had no idea what was ahead or what to expect, but classrooms became a place of learning, laughter, excitement, and inquiry. Some of you have made this look very easy, when we know very well, it has not been.
The Executive team for The Global, Environmental & Outdoor Education Council has been working hard this fall to help support teachers across the province. From workshops to webinars, speaker series, and conventions, GEOEC has lots plan for you this year! Hosting multiple before winter break, our executive team is working extremely hard to provide a wide variety of experiences and opportunities for all members across the province. Our Virtual Campfires are still nationwide, teaming up with Take Me Outside once again. We hope that you are able to attend one or more of the events and we look forward to finally meeting some of you live and in person!
I encourage you to be in touch with our executive team if you need any form of professional development in your school division. We would love nothing more than to host an event in your area and provide support on the topics of global, environmental, and outdoor education.
I would like to take this time to thank each and every Executive Member of our council for all their time, dedication, and effort put forth to help inspire and support teachers across this province. This council would be nowhere near our target today if it wasn’t for this inspiring team! Surround yourself with inspiring, hardworking, and amazing people, and you won’t be surprised at the incredible results that are produced. I could not ask for a better team of educators to work with on a day-to-day basis. Our team would love to help your school, community, and teachers further with resources and professional development. If there is a need for Global, Environmental & Outdoor Council sessions at a convention, conference, or PD event near you, please contact us so we can set something up for the future.
Please keep up to date by following us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Do not hesitate to send us a note with any questions you may have. A huge thank you to all teachers across the province for your amazing work in your communities. Best of luck with all your adventures and hopefully we will see you on the trails very soon.
Court Rustemeyer
GEOEC President
PAST EVENTS 2021 - 2022
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An incredible workshop series partnering with EverActive! We look to see you at the 2023 Shaping the Future Conference!!
May 2022 This is a professional development opportunity was ideal for those interested in a deeper, community-based learning experience. Through this interactive format, participants will join four virtual sessions on the same topic, allowing for greater exploration and discussion around practical application of the concepts. |
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Virtual Nature Walk with GEOEC
Tuesday, November 30th Come walk with us as we feature a handful of Environmental and Outdoor Education educators and service providers with some incredible programs and resources to share with you! The 3 main highlighted presentations include: Rhonda Thygesen - Honey Bees Dan Johnson - The World of Small Biodiversity: Insects and Spiders Preston Huppie - Sacred Medicines We will have post some resources soon! |
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Alberta Outdoor Play-List with GEOEC Missed out on this amazing event? Here is a short summary on the evening and our presenters! Outdoor Play-List Summary |
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Around the Campfire with GEOEC & Friends!
**FREE Event** September 23rd | 7pm to 8:30pm (MST) Ok all you incredible Outdoor Education Teachers & Enthusiasts we want to hear from you! We would love to chat with you about all of the AMAZING things that you are planning this year. Join us and networking, storytell, vent or just listen :) Like most campfire chats we are hoping to have a very open mic forum around outdoor education topics and format. BUT we do have some very special guests that are going to make an appear! Take Me Outside, Outdoor Council of Canada and EverActive will be there! We just want the chance to connect you & other incredible teachers from many walks of life. Come join us for a few minutes or the entire campfire! We can guarantee you will leave the fire inspired! |
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GEOEC & HPEC Present SPRING EQUINOX | Outdoor Play: Nature's Vaccine Friday April 30th & Saturday May 1st We are extremely excited to host this amazing event and once again partner up with the Health & Physical Education Council! Join us Friday, April 30th, for our Keynote speakers & Saturday, May 1st, for a morning full of 12 different sessions, workshop and training opportunities. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Sean Lessard Introduction by Heidi Widmer First 100 registrations get a Spring Equinox t-shirt and swag pack! #Outdoorplay2021 |
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Connecting Our Well-being to the Land
Thursday, April 15th 7:00pm to 9:00pm EVENT CLOSED This event focuses on our mental health and using the land to lead our well-being. We have three incredible guest speakers lined up, that have insight, experiences and resources to share. Heidi Widmer - 2014 Canadian Olympian Fort McMurray Public School Division Land Based Learning Camp Cassandra Troughton - Educational Assistant - Edmonton Public Schools. We look forward to seeing you all at this event and wish you the best in your day to day teaching! |
The Outdoor Playlist: Volume2
Presented by GEOEC Missed out on our Alberta Outdoor Play-List Webinar? Here is a PDF File that has all the incredible presenters contact information and how you can find out more! |
The Outdoor Playlist: Volume2
Presented by GEOEC Event is closed! Check out our information below for handouts The series will feature a handful of environmental and outdoor education service providers as guest speakers, acting as a one-stop-shop for educators to find out how they've adopted their programs and how teachers can get their classes involved. Not only will you hear from many of the top school service providers in Alberta, but we will be giving out FREE RESOURCES! |
Canadian Rockies Youth Summit
May 12th - 14th
A YOUTH LED, DESIGNED, AND ORGANIZED ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMIT. Designed to educate, elevate, and empower youth around the environmental issues affecting their shared mountain and wild spaces.
THE THEME OF THIS YEAR'S SUMMIT - 'Turning Hope into Action.' May 12, 6-9 pm is the opening ceremonies an a CAMPFIRE BENEFIT CONCERT. Wednesday evening is open to the public and designed to elevate youth voices, inspire, and kick off the Summit.
May 13-14, 9 am - 5 pm, is two full days of expert panels, inspiring keynote speakers, workshops, action projects, and nature breaks.
Events are designed to connect youth across Alberta on environmental issues. Youth will be empowered with the knowledge and skills required to take action and be environmental leaders in their communities.
May 12th - 14th
A YOUTH LED, DESIGNED, AND ORGANIZED ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMIT. Designed to educate, elevate, and empower youth around the environmental issues affecting their shared mountain and wild spaces.
THE THEME OF THIS YEAR'S SUMMIT - 'Turning Hope into Action.' May 12, 6-9 pm is the opening ceremonies an a CAMPFIRE BENEFIT CONCERT. Wednesday evening is open to the public and designed to elevate youth voices, inspire, and kick off the Summit.
May 13-14, 9 am - 5 pm, is two full days of expert panels, inspiring keynote speakers, workshops, action projects, and nature breaks.
Events are designed to connect youth across Alberta on environmental issues. Youth will be empowered with the knowledge and skills required to take action and be environmental leaders in their communities.
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Mark Your Calendar - MORE PD Opportunities!
Local Conventions Near You! Make sure you sign up as a GEOEC Member to get the latest information on upcoming Events!
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AWARD NOMINATIONS FOR 2022-2023
Do you know a Teacher or Educator who is has done some outstanding work in the field of Global, Environmental and Outdoor Education?
If you know someone who deserves recognition in their field please take the time to read through our award applications and submit one today!
If you know someone who deserves recognition in their field please take the time to read through our award applications and submit one today!
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