Approaching Walden 2008

FAQs

                                                                          Photo of the Thoreau Institute by Scot Miller

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? Do I have to be an English teacher to attend?  High School teachers of all disciplines and graduate students of education are eligible for the program.

Are teachers from the same school allowed to apply?  Yes, teachers from the same school may and are encouraged to apply for an opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary project.

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 $100 fee for the seminar, which should be sent to The Walden Woods Project at the time of the application.

If  I’m not accepted, will my $100 fee be returned?  Yes, your check will be refunded if you are not accepted into the program.

How do I arrange lodging? Participants will be responsible for covering the cost of their accommodations during the seminar. However, The Walden Woods Project will reserve a block of rooms at a local inn at a reduced rate.  Once you are accepted in 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 $225, 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.

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. In 2007 teachers came from California, Nevada, Texas, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, and New York as well from New England states.

Will I have time for site seeing?  The six days of the workshop are fully scheduled from Sunday, July 13 through Friday, July 18. We encourage you to visit sites in the area before or after the seminar. Click here for additional information from the Concord Chamber of Commerce.

 If I have additional questions, who should I contact?  If you have any questions, please send an email to education@walden.org.

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