Explore Early Childhood Constructivism in

Trento, Italy

Elevate your professional development through an immersive, educational retreat

OVERVIEW

This educational learning retreat is designed to engage and collaborate like minded educators, administrators, and researchers in examining a constructivist approach framework exploring pedagogical practices and observing teachers and students in an authentic and dynamic learning environment through the lense of an Italian perspective based on the three learning contexts: small group contexts, group discussions, and collective reasoning.

Upon completing this learning experience of bridging theory and practice through action research, you will acquire the tools, inspiration, and a Community of Practice (CoP) that will extend beyond this trip to impact your classrooms and school communities.

In this Learning Retreat we will cover

Collaborate with like minded colleagues

Discover the bridge between theory and practice through seminars, differentiated breakout sessions, daily school site visits, and reflective interactive discussions focused on application.

Connect

Engage and collaborate with a community of American and Italian educators in constructivist inquiry based learning.

Experience the Trento Culture

Visit historic Trento, Italy known for art, history (rich in natural beauty) culinary attractions, castles and churches. This is a city with natural beauty and architecture you don't want to miss!

LOCATION & DATES

Location

The Trentino region in Italy will impress you with its diverse territory, rich in natural beauty while also full of cultural and gastronomic attractions. It's a great place to visit for art, history, and culture because of its castles, old churches, and museums!

The main city is Trento, famous for having hosted the historical Council of the Sixteenth century, and for its Trentodoc, one of the most precious sparkling wines in Italy. Trento is an educational, scientific, financial and political centre in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, in Tyrol and Northern Italy in general.

Dates

Zoom Webinars - Winter 2023

Three 60 minute webinars to build content knowledge and community leading up to the retreat on April 16-21, 2023.

A TYPICAL DAY IN TRENTO, ITALY

Monday April 17th, 2023

9-11:30: Reflections from previous day, Workshop on Federiazione Provinciale Scuole Materne FPSM’s curriculum framework and philosophy
11:30-11:45 :Break
11:45-12:45: Break-out Sessions
Questioning Techniques For Curious Minds
1:00- 1:45: Lunch
2:00 - 4:00: School Visits

Wednesday, April 19th, 2023

8:30- 1 PM: School Visits (Lunch is provided at the schools)
2:00-4:00: Free Time
4:00-6:00: Excursion to Castello del Buonconisglio
7:30- 9:30: Dinner Together

This Learning Experience is Facilitated by Elevate Educator & Federazione Provinciale Scuole Materne di Trento.

Ms. Lorenza Ferrai- Director of Professional Development

Since 2000 she has worked for the Federazione Provinciale Scuole Materne in various positions. Lorenza has assumed the roles of Pedagogical Coordinator in the Cles School District and in the Primiero District. From 2001 to 2007 Lorenza held the position of Internal Coordinator. Since September 2007 to the present, she has been responsible for the Research, Training and Pedagogical Services Sector in the Federation. She has participated in many national and international conferences and has written articles in journals and collective pedagogical publications.

Ms. Jackie Sicari Frangis - Elevate Educator Founder

Jackie Frangis is the founder and educational consultant/coach of Elevate Educators. After a successful career as an early childhood teacher and school leader, she launched Elevate Educators, a PreK-12th grade professional learning organization in 2016. Her passion for innovative and authentic learning prompted her to study firsthand about "Experiential Education" grounded in the work of Jerome Bruner and Lev Vygotsky. Jackie traveled to Italy and immersed herself in an in-depth study of this early childhood constructivist approach to teaching and learning. Jackie's ultimate goal is to provide U.S educators the unique opportunity to eyewitness and experience this pedagogical framework in Italy through the lenses of observation, co-construction, engagement, collaboration, and reflection.

Dr. Jessica Hammond

Dr. Hammond is a school administrator as well as a consultant delivering professional development in the areas of early childhood, special education, social-emotional learning, and tiered system of supports. Her ultimate goal is to elevate the skills of teachers and support staff and leaders to positively impact the learning experience for all young learners as they begin their academic careers.

Dr. Hammond’s belief system in the education of young children stems from facilitated constructivism rooted in Lev Vygotsky’s work. Jessica shares Jackie’s passion for innovative and authentic learning environments and is thrilled about the first Italy Learning Retreat in Trento.

AIRFARE INFORMATION

You are responsible for booking your own airfare.

The main cities and airports are:

Milan- Malpensa Airport

Train to Trento- The train is a 3.5 hour ride.

Verona- Valerio Cutullo Airport

JetBlue Airways flies directly to Verona

Train to Trento is 1 hour.

HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS

We have reserved a block of rooms at the Hotel America in Trento, Italy at a discounted rate. This 4 star hotel is located in the heart of downtown Trento.

Rates are in euros and include breakfast.

Single occupancy - 75 euros per night

Double occupancy - will be less than 75 euros

Hotel America

Telephone number +39 046 1983 010

info@hotelamerica.it

COVID Protocols for entering the US

Please check this site for information US EMBASSY and ITALIAN CONSULATE COVID-19 INFORMATION