Teachers Enjoy Going on Field Trips Too!

Last week, teachers from across the Great Hearts Arizona network came together for the annual Spring In-Service, an afternoon dedicated to professional development and enrichment. Following an early student dismissal, educators from every academy gathered at various locations throughout the Valley to participate in a thoughtfully planned and curated selection of sessions and activities designed to enhance their teaching practices. As noted in the event catalog, “The Spring In-Service is our opportunity to foster a love of learning and community outside of the classroom through interaction with colleagues in leisurely learning.”

“Our Spring In-Service Day is a wonderful time to do ‘good things with good people,’” shared Brandon Crowe, Great Hearts Arizona Superintendent. “This annual opportunity has been a longstanding tradition in Great Hearts with the variety of options increasing each year. Led by Amy Gottry, Regional Manager of Professional Development, our intention is to deepen and grow these learning and fellowship opportunities every year.”

Staff who were looking to sharpen their seminar skills had a wide array of literary works to choose from, including works by C.S. Lewis, Johannes Kepler, and G.K. Chesterton. Other seminar topics included Ancient versus Modern Freedom, Federalists v. Anti-Federalists, and a Latin seminar that explored how to use illustration activities effectively in the Archway classroom. Anthem Community Park provided the setting for a Picnic and Poems Seminar.

A hands-on science workshop offered an alchemy-inspired experience complete with lab coats and safety goggles. This special workshop was especially tailored to those who considered themselves “non-scientists,” yet still find themselves curious about the world of chemistry – molecules, compounds, reactions, and things that go “boom.”

Those wanting to connect with the fine arts had a variety of high-brow and hands-on experiences. Faculty were able to create their own masterpieces at watercolor plant study workshop, the monoprint workshop, and even a soap carving workshop. For those that preferred to appreciate art rather than create it, were given the opportunity to tour the Phoenix Art Museum. Those with a flair for the dramatic were treated to a Shakespeare workshop where they explored the performing arts.

Music lovers participated in the Sea Shanties, Work Songs, and Folk Tunes Sing-Along and Workshop, the African American Spirituals Music Workshop, and were treated to a special private performance from the Phoenix Symphony. They also had the opportunity to tour the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM).

Some physical activities with a side of competition were offered with some basketball, pickleball, and volleyball games, demonstrating that our faculty works hard and plays hard. Hiking at White Tank Regional Park and Daisy Mountain Trail gave participants some fresh air and exercise.

Nature lovers enjoyed garden tours at Butterfly Wonderland, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. The Arizona Museum of Natural History Museum offered an appreciation of nature from the indoors.

And finally, many got in touch with their “wild side” with wildlife tours at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary, Better Piggies Rescue, the Phoenix Zoo, and the Gilbert Riparian Preserve. Great Hearts Roosevelt teacher and Falconer gave a presentation on Falconry and gave a demonstration with his Harris’s Hawk.

It was a full and refreshing time of character and team building for all who participated. “After all, part of what we aspire to at Great Hearts is instilling in our students an affection for learning with and from others. Just as we hope that our students – whether on their Holiday breaks or long after graduation – will continue to invest in learning in community, we hope the same for our faculty and staff,” explained Crowe. “In a certain way, the Spring In-service is meant to be a small sample of the experience of the good life. We hope you enjoyed it, and we are always interested in making it better!”

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