2024 | 2nd Annual
Early Childhood Constructivism Retreat in
Trento, Italy
After a successful learning retreat in April of 2023, we are excited to announce our second annual early childhood constructivism retreat. This is an incredible opportunity for educators to elevate their teaching and leading through an immersive, educational retreat.
Facilitated by Elevate Educators & Federazione Provinciale Scuole Materne di Trento.
May 26-31, 2024
Take a Look at Our 2023 Experience
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 lenses of 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.
During this learning experience in Italy, we will...
LOCATION & DATES
Location
The Trentino region in Italy will impress you with its rich and beautiful scenery along with Trento's 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 2024
Leading up to the May 26- 31 2024 retreat, three 60 minute Zoom webinars will be provided to build background knowledge, meet the educators who we will be learning from and answer all logistical questions.
A TYPICAL DAY IN TRENTO, ITALY
Typical Day A
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9-11:30: Reflections from previous day, Workshop on Federiazione Provinciale Scuole Materne FPSM’s curriculum framework and philosophy
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11:30-11:45: Break
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11:45-12:45: Break-out Sessions
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1:00-1:45: Lunch
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2:00-4:00: School Visits
Typical Day B
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8:30- 1 PM: School Visits & Lunch
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2:00-4:00: Free Time
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4:00-6:00: Excursion to Castello del Buonconisglio
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7:30- 9:30: Dinner together
This Learning Experience is Facilitated by Elevate Educators & 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.
Camilla Monaco -
Phychologist of Development and Education
Researcher and Trainer on psycho-pedagogical issues and Manager of Specialized Unit of Research and Training of the Provincial Federation of Preschools of Trento (Italy).
Among her study and research interests there are: educational contexts for early childhood; children’s social development; ethnographical observation as an important methodology to know and transform everyday life contexts (child care services, preschools, families, etc.); processes of construction of literacy in 0-6 year old children (literacy before schooling); social construction of learning processes throughout small group methodology (from infant/toddlers centers to University); ICT and educational robotics as instruments to promote human learning processes.
Ms. Jackie Sicari Frangis - Elevate Educators' 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.
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 NH Trento, Italy
Address: Via Adalberto Libera, 7, 38121 Trento TN, Italy
Rates: $130 per night single occupancy and $140 per night double occupancy ( Run of the House) - Rates may vary due to exchange rate.
Daily breakfast is included
MEALS
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A special restaurant luncheon is included on Monday May 27, and Friday, May 31.
An Italian lunch will be provided daily during the retreat.
A “Meet and Mingle” casual dinner will be held Sunday afternoon.
A dinner together on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024
TRANSPORT
Transfers from airport to the hotel are on your own.
Transportation will be provided to and from the schools.
CULTURAL EXCURSIONS
Two afternoon excursions have been planned for the Castle Buonconsiglio and a cultural food tasting excursion.
Pricing- $1,850
and included in the cost:
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Tuition for trainings (break-out sessions, school visits, and materials)
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April-May 2024 Webinars prior to trip
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Lunch Monday- Friday
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“Meet and Mingle” Arrival Dinner Sunday May 26, 2024
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Midweek dinner together
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Excursion and cultural tasting
The initial deposit is $900 due by February 21, 2024. The final payment of $950 is due March 31, 2024.
Next Steps:
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