Certificate in Place-Based Education
The aim of place-based education is to increase local learning in the natural, built, and cultural environment. Place-based education increases motivation, student achievement, and care for our surroundings. You can transform schools into centers of learning and action that utilize the local community as a context for developing essential skills and understandings. Regardless of where or who you teach, the principles of place-based education can be an integrating theme. Our certificate gives educators the tools to guide students to better understand and positively influence their world. A student’s impact on the world begins with their connection to and participation in the local community.
This degree is offered by Antioch University's New England Campus.
Program Overview
The certificate is specifically designed for educators who already have a master's degree, are not quite ready for a full degree, or desire an engaging, place-based professional learning experience. Through a mix of classroom, field-based, and online experiences, you have a chance to collaborate with educators from around the country and the globe who are making place-based education the focal point of their teaching and professional practice. Finish the certificate in three or four semesters, 12-15 months. This certificate centers on using the local community and environment as starting points to integrate language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, art, music, and technology. Required courses focus on the essentials of place-based education: implementation in contemporary schools, designing nature explorations with children, developing partnerships with local organizations, and investigating place-based social justice topics. The courses will help you inspire students to develop strong ties to their community, increase appreciation for the natural world, and participate as active, contributing citizens. Make place an integrating context inside and outside of your classroom. Whether you teach 2nd grade or high school science, work in a public or independent school, this program guides you to develop the skills and understanding to be a place-based teacher and leader.
Paul Bocko, Ph.D.
Director
Antioch Center for School Renewal
Concentration Director
Experienced Educator Program- Educating for Sustainability | Place-based Education | Climate Change & Sustainability
Related Centers and Institutes
Additional Information
The Certificate in Place-Based Education focuses on the process of using the local community and environment as starting points to integrate language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, art, music, and technology. It is built on David Sobel’s pioneering program development and writing that sparked a nationwide and international movement to design and implement place-based learning. This is a 4-semester program that can be completed entirely online. Students can begin in any term and will take 3 credits per semester until completion.
Looking for more than a certificate? Consider an MEd in Place-Based Education.
Graduates of the Place-based Education concentration have the capacity to:
- Help others understand place-based learning across a variety of contexts.
- Understand citizenship and meaningful student participation in communities.
- Incorporate place-based themes into teaching and classroom practice.
- Develop place-based integrated curricula designed to increase student achievement.
- Help develop place-based teaching and learning in their schools.
Faculty Spotlights
Maura Hart
Adjunct Faculty
Craig Giddens
Adjunct Faculty
Debbie Spitulnik
Adjunct Faculty
Lina Blanchet
Adjunct Faculty
Admission
Education Programs at Antioch University New England value colleagueship and strong learning communities. We offer a 10% discount for 3 or more students from the same school or school district who attend any of our AUNE Education MEd or Certificate programs at the same time. Specific limitations and conditions apply. You can find more information here.
How to Apply
- Complete the online admissions application, including:
- Essay questions, admissions, and program-specific
- Resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
- Non-refundable $50 application fee
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities where you earned a degree or certificate.
- Email transcripts to admissions.ane@antioch.edu or
- Mail to Office of Admissions Antioch University New England 40 Avon Street Keene NH 03431-3516
- Two letters of recommendation are required from people who are in a position to evaluate your professional or academic work. The person making the recommendation may not be related to you.
- There are additional requirements for International applicants and applicants without a Bachelor’s degree.
- Interview with a faculty member of the department to which you seek entry if selected. This can be in person, by phone, or via Skype.
- Master’s and Certificate Programs do not require the GRE or any other standardized test for admissions. We consider all of your application materials and evaluate your academic potential in a variety of ways.
Official transcripts should be emailed to admissions.ane@antioch.edu or mailed to the Office of Admissions Antioch University New England 40 Avon Street Keene, New Hampshire 03431-3516. All application materials submitted become part of an applicant’s file and cannot be returned.
Application Deadlines
| Term | Date |
|---|---|
| Summer | May 1 |
| Fall | August 15 |
| Spring | December 1 |
Tuition & Financial Aid
A college education is an investment in your future. Let us help you understand the costs and explore the resources available to help make your college education even more affordable. The majority of AUNE students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public, and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants – are right for you. Our staff is here to help you so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program at AUNE.
Cost
| Foundations of Education (Experienced Educators) Certificates | Tuition Cost per Credit | Total Program Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Problem Based Learning / Critical Skills Certificate | $840 | 15 |
| Educating for Sustainability Certificate | $840 | 12 |
| Place-based Education Certificate | $840 | 12 |
| Nature-Based Early Childhood Education Certificate | $840 | 12 |
| Mindfulness for Educators Graduate Certificate | $840 | 9 |
| Integrated STEAM Education Certificate | $840 | 15 |
| Certificate in Teaching and Learning | $840 | 15 |
| Certificate in Dyslexia Studies | $425 | 18 |
| Certificate in Transformative Education | $840 | 9 |
| Certificate in Trauma Informed Education | $840 | 18 |
| View the Cost of Attendance Components | ||
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