The Goleta Education Foundation recently awarded professional development scholarships to ten educators in the Goleta Union School District (GUSD). Based on input from teachers and administrators, GEF recognized the need for resources for educators to pursue targeted professional development opportunities. With initial funding generously provided by the Williams-Corbett Foundation, GEF created the Professional Development Scholarship Fund.

In the 2019-2020 school year, GEF is sending teachers and specialists to a variety of conferences around the United States. Two teachers will attend a workshop on Responsive Classroom, a positive community and behavior-based approach to teaching and learning. One teacher will attend a local, two-day conference on Environmental Literacy and the Next Generation Science Standards. A Physical Education specialist will attend a comprehensive workshop on Physical Health, Health, Recreation, and Dance. Two teachers will travel to New York for an institute focused on reading and writing and effective strategies for teaching English learners. Finally, two Kindergarten teachers will attend a two-day conference covering all curriculum areas and the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of our youngest students.

Additionally, in a partnership with Explore Ecology, GEF provided scholarships for three teachers to attend the Santa Barbara Edible Education Symposium on October 12. Educators came together with farmers, school food service providers, and youth and community leaders to learn about and celebrate best practices in edible education and food literacy.

Learn more about our Professional Development Scholarship Fund and the Whole Child Education through School Gardens initiatives today!