School Garden Summer Institute

Cultivate Learning at the School Garden Summer Institute

K-12 educators are invited to immerse themselves in the world of outdoor learning at the School Garden Summer Institute, a 2-day conference hosted by the NC State University Plants for Human Health Institute. Taking place June 23-24 from 8 am to 5 pm at the Center for the Environment at Catawba College, in Salisbury, NC, this professional development opportunity will equip teachers with the skills and knowledge to effectively utilize school gardens as vibrant, engaging outdoor classrooms.

Participants will learn practical strategies for integrating garden-based learning into their curriculum, covering all subjects and fostering social-emotional learning. The Institute boasts an impressive lineup, including keynote speaker Bryce Lane, renowned horticulturalist and educator from Raleigh, NC, and Jenna Shea Mobley, Life Lab Teacher Trainer from Atlanta, Ga. In addition, 20 engaging speakers will lead concurrent sessions, allowing you to “choose your own adventure.” Presentation topics range from basic gardening know-how and teaching core subjects in the garden, to therapeutic horticulture and effective outdoor classroom management.

Don’t miss the chance to revitalize your teaching practices and connect with fellow educators passionate about hands-on learning. Time will be built into the schedule for networking and connection among presenters and participants. Early bird registration is available for $75 through May 15th, increasing to $100 for general registration until June 15th. Secure your spot today and unlock the potential of your school garden!

Monday, June 23

The Speaker Line-up	Amazing Sessions
Bryce Lane	The Power of Plants: How Gardening Teaches, Inspires and Encourages Children
Jenna Shea Mobley	Integrating Math into Garden Lessons
Jill Staton & Maria Murray	Growing a STEM Mindset in the Garden
Aaron Moore	The Big Idea Around Protecting Pollinators
Carrie DeJaco	Observing Native Flowers and their Pollinators
Penny Perkins-Veazie	Can you Predict Sweetness and Color in Fruits?
Kimberly Dunnagan	Classroom Plants – Enhancing Science Instruction
Heather Kelejian	Therapeutic Horticulture: Cultivating Wellness Through Plants
Meredith Katz	What Can Poo Do For You? Composting with Worms
Lisa Pope & Hannah Addair	Gardening in a Changing Climate
Scott Morrison & Anna Morrison	Little Chefs, Big Lessons: Cooking with Kids in the Classroom
Danielle Rushing	Plant Propagation for Curious Classrooms

Tuesday, June 24

The Speaker Line-up	Amazing Sessions
Daniel Overcash	Unlocking the Secrets of Soil: Testing and Interpretation
Katie Baker & Scott Morrison	Growing Mathematicians: Exploring Math Outside and in School Gardens
Aaron Newton	Growing Together IPM Strategies for Thriving School Gardens in NC
Sara Dousharm	From Garbage to Gardens: Implementing a School Compost Program
Cheri Granillo	Spill the Tea: Tea and Phytochemicals in the School Garden
Harry Phillips, Katie Ballard	Seeding Love of Kale and Community
Scott Morrison, Grace Rasmussen	Rooted in Routine: Strategies for Teaching Outside
Abby Bennett	Taste Your Harvest: A Guide to School Garden Tastings
Ashley Honbarrier, Cameron Shaffner	Botanical Greeting Cards and Crafts
Jenna Shea Mobley	Language-Rich Garden Lessons
Meredith Katz	What can poo do for you? Composting with Worms

5 reasons to attend SGSI

1. Dive into Hands-On Sessions that Spark Student Engagement

From cooking and tastings with kids to pollinator garden planning, SGSI offers interactive workshops designed to bring the garden into every corner of the curriculum – and your students’ lives.

2. Discover Garden-Based Lessons for Core Subjects

Need ideas for teaching math and language arts in the garden? Learn creative strategies that will have students counting carrots and composing poems under the sun.

3. Connect with a Growing Community of Educators

Collaborate with like-minded teachers, garden coordinators and administrators who are passionate about school gardens. Leave with new friends and fresh ideas.

4. Earn Up to 2 CEUs While You Dig In

You’ll get professional development credit for doing something you love—learning outside, experimenting with curriculum and getting your hands dirty (literally!).

5. Win Prizes, Discover Resources and Be Inspired

With lots of door prizes, garden giveaways, and a wealth of ready-to-use resources, you’ll head back to your school fully-equipped to grow something great.

Whether you’re teaching pre-K or high school, working in a rural school or an urban one, there’s something for everyone at the School Garden Summer Institute. This is your chance to nurture your passion, expand your toolkit, and plant the seeds of change in your school community.

Join us in Salisbury, NC, June 23-24 — where school gardening takes root and grows strong! 

Contact Megan Bame by email with any questions.