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Join Us!
Thank you for your interest in Groundswell! We are a coalition of community partners who support place-based environmental education efforts in West Michigan. We match schools with community organizations to create hands-on learning opportunities for K-12 students.
What Does Groundswell Provide?
Becoming a Groundswell educator will provide you with numerous resources to support place-based education and environmental stewardship in your school. You will gain access to:
Teacher Training
FREE, high-quality professional development on unique, innovative topics. Substitute reimbursement is available for workshops during the school day.
Project Funding
Up to $1,000 to implement a student-led stewardship project to address a real environmental need in your community.
Technical Support
Connections with local community organizations to provide technical support and guidance for your stewardship project.
Educator Collaboration
Opportunities for networking and collaborating with other inspiring educators dedicated to place-based education.
What Does Participation Involve?
There are multiple ways to participate in Groundswell, and our staff will work with you to find the best fit for you. Opportunities for participation include:
Groundswell Lite
Engage in Groundswell educational resources (attend PD, receive substitute reimbursement).
Optional: Facilitate mini PBE/stewardship effort with students (eligible for up to $250 in project funding by submitting “Idea Proposal”)
Individual Teacher
Facilitate Groundswell PBE/stewardship activities with students; engage in Groundswell educational resources (PD).
Eligible for up to $150 in seed funding; can apply for criteria-based funding.
Advanced (optional): Lead PD; serve as Groundswell PBE mentor
Teacher Team
Facilitate Groundswell PBE/stewardship activities with students; engage in Groundswell educational resources (PD).
Eligible for up to $250 in seed funding; can apply for criteria-based funding.
We strongly encourage teams of multiple teachers (at the same school or different schools). This approach allows for collaboration, enhances in-school support, and provides expanded place-based education opportunities for students. If you are just starting out, we do offer options for individual teachers.
Typical School-Year Timeline
I'm Ready to Join!
Step 1
Form a team of teachers from your school or another school.
Step 2
Explore the program materials available online and complete a team information form.
Step 3
Work with our staff to determine the best fit for your school.