Approaching Walden

Summer Seminar FAQs

Where does the seminar take place?  The seminar is held at the Walden Woods Project's Thoreau Institute located in Lincoln, MA and will include field trips to Walden Pond, historic Concord, and its surroundings.

Who is eligible for the program?  High school teachers of all disciplines and graduate students of education are eligible for the program. Each summer in addition to English teachers we welcome teachers of history, science, and many other subject areas.

What does the seminar offer?

 Seminar features include:

•talks and discussions on Thoreau, environmental ethics, Transcendentalism, and social reform;
•fieldtrips, led by experts to Walden Pond, Walden Woods, and historic Concord; •daily reflection time and journaling experiences while immersed in Thoreau's landscape; and
•workshops on natural history and journaling.

How will participants spend their time during the seminar?

Each day is filled with a variety of activities.  Here is a sampling:

• The morning begins with a lecture/discussion followed by a field trip. 
• Then return for lunch at the Thoreau Institute.
• In the afternoon, we often have a workshop or lecture.
• Participants are welcome to explore the Walden Woods before and after the daily program.

What makes this seminar unique?

We have 14 years of experience working with teachers on place-based interdisciplinary education. We engage some of the region's best scholars, professors, and environmentalists as presenters. Participants experience the power of Thoreau's legacy by being immersed in the land and literature in Concord, MA.

How do I request a travel stipend?

Every course participant will receive a stipend at the conclusion of the seminar.  The amount will vary depending on the distance you have to travel to get to Walden Woods.  

Are teachers from the same school allowed to apply?

Yes, teachers from the same school may and are encouraged to apply.

 When will I be notified of acceptance?

We review all completed applications on an ongoing basis, so spaces can fill up quickly.  Applicants will be notified of acceptance approximately 4 weeks after we receive the applications.

Is there a fee for the seminar?

Yes, there is a $50 fee for the seminar, which should be sent to The Walden Woods Project at the time you submit  the online application.

If I'm not accepted, will my $50 fee be returned?

Yes, your check will be refunded if you are not accepted into the program. 

Am I eligible for a teacher stipend?

Yes, we are offering teachers stipends this year.  The amount of the stipend will depend on where you live. 

 How do I arrange lodging?

Participants will be responsible for covering the cost of their accommodations during the seminar.  However, the Walden Woods Project reserves a block of rooms at a local inn at a reduced rate.  Once you are accepted into the seminar, we will send you more information.

May I defray some of the cost by sharing a room?

Yes.  We will match up roommates if you request double occupancy.

Can I make my own arrangements?

Yes, we encourage you to explore other lodging options.

What additional expenses are there to consider?

You will need to cover transportation costs, such as a car rental or airfare, some meals and snacks.  The Thoreau Institute has a large kitchen, and, in the past, many participants found it a wonderful place to enjoy an informal dinner with other teachers, after buying and cooking their own food.  There will also be a few breakfasts and dinners provided by the institute.

Can I receive graduate credit for the seminar?

Yes.  Fitchburg State College offers this seminar as a 3 graduate credit course.  The charge is $255, which we collect upon arrival.  The course requirements include attending all six days of classes and completing daily reading assignments.  You'll also be responsible for completing a curriculum unit following the workshop. 

Can I receive Professional Development Points?

Yes, we offer teachers an opportunity to earn certificates of participation, redeemable for 36 PDPs.  You will need to attend all six days of classes, complete daily reading assignments, and complete an additional assignment following the workshop.

Can you tell me more about the final assignment that is required to earn graduate credit and continuing educational credits (CEUs)?

Please visit the online curriculum collection to see samples of units that teachers have created. 

Past Praise from seminar participants:

 "Overall this was one of the best professional development programs I ever attended.  It was thoughtful, organized and inspiring."

"This has been a wonderful seminar that has reenergized me and give me fabulous ideas to take away and hold and share."

"I liked the depth, length, quality of content and professional experience, and mix of classroom and field studies."

"The best part of the seminar was the variety of lenses through which to experience place and think about our role in nature and society..."

"I wish all professional development could be this dynamic and meaningful."

Will I be sent reading materials prior to the seminar? Yes, we will send you a packet with readings in mid-June. 

Do excursions take place rain or shine?

Yes, field trips will take place rain or shine.  Because some involve walking a substantial distance, comfortable shoes and rain gear are recommended.

Do teachers come from outside New England?

Yes.  In the past we have had teachers from all parts of the country. 

Will I have time for sight seeing?

The six days of the workshop are fully scheduled from Sunday afternoon through Friday at noon.  We encourage you to visit sites in the area before or after the seminar. 

If I have additional questions, who should I contact?

If you have any questions, please send an email to education@walden.org.