Polly Chandler, Antioch University New England
Posted on Monday, November 14th, 2011
Polly Chandler teaches Introduction to Sustainability, Earth Systems in Organizations and Practicum in the Organization and Management department at Antioch University New England. She also serves as the chair of the Department of Organization & Management.
Prior to coming to Antioch University New England, Polly earned her BS in Resource Management, MEd in Science Education and MEd in Administration and Supervision.
In the classroom, Polly believes that it is important for students to understand policies and environmental acts in correspondence with what they learn. She works to keep students continuously informed about historical legislation as well as current topics, so they can better understand the ‘big picture’ of their studies.
“I am a teacher, environmentalist, facilitator, and advocate for change through artful, skillful leadership. My goal is to help our students navigate the dynamic landscape of sustainability with strong communication skills so they can work with the complexities of change,” Professor Chandler said.
Serving the community and fulfilling one of Antioch University’s founding principles, students in Professor Chandler’s earth system course participate in a consulting project with an organization with a sustainability challenge. They work in teams to address these challenges and make recommendations to the leadership, and in the case of nonprofits, the board. Recent outcomes have included: a winter greenhouse for a nonprofit educational farm that wanted to increase revenue stream and a nonprofit that developed a new strategy because of student recommendations.
“I have taught all ages in all venues. I’ve taught in the classroom, on a ship, on a farm, at a nature center and as a trip leader to multiple destinations, most recently Sweden with Antioch University students. I am an advocate for servant leadership and service learning so I find ways to integrate those passions into my teaching and learning,” Professor Chandler said.
In her spare time, Polly considers herself to be a ‘water person’. She and her husband live in Keene, where they enjoy the town atmosphere and the pride the citizens hold in their identity.
“I thrive on living in a small community and bountiful natural areas. I enjoy being on the edge where water and land meet. I grew up on a lake, spend my vacations near water, and enjoy the smallest pond to the ocean, Professor Chandler said.
Contact Professor Chandler by email at: pchandler@antioch.edu.
