Male Educators of Young Children

A SPACE FOR PRE-K AND ELEMENTARY MALE EDUCATORS

Men represent less than 3% of the early childhood workforce and about 11% of elementary and middle school teachers.

In the quiet, essential work of early childhood and elementary education, male educators often find themselves without a dedicated space to reflect, share, and recharge. Recognizing this unique professional landscape, the Institute for Teaching and Learning at Carolina Friends School is hosting an immersive retreat designed to bridge the gap.

Join us for a day and a half of intentional community, practical insight, and vocational renewal.

The Experience

Thursday 15 October 2026

• The Welcome | 5:30 – 9:00 pm: We begin at Carolina Friends School for an informal cookout and campfire, a time to get to know one another in a relaxed, hospitable environment on our wooded campus between Durham and Chapel Hill.

Friday 16 October 2026

• The Deep Dive | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm: We reconvene at a local retreat center to take advantage of its historic lodge and restorative outdoor spaces. Our sessions are designed to move beyond traditional "PD" into deeper waters:
  • Vocation: Re-grounding in our mission and the "why" of our work as educators.
  • Craft: Sharing practical strategies for the early childhood and elementary classroom.
  • Sustainability: Cultivating the joy and rejuvenation necessary for a long-term career in education.
• The Teachers' Lounge | 4:15 pm-Late: Not ready to head home? Join us as we transition to a local favorite (featuring a fire pit and great outdoor vibes) for an optional "TGIF" social. This is a perfect setting for happy hour, dinner, and shared stories. If the timing is right, we’ll cap off the night listening to live music at 7:00 pm.

Join the Circle

We believe this retreat should be "for us, by us." Are you intrigued? We invite you to join the circle as planners, facilitators, and participants--we want your voice at the table!

Registration opens in May/June 2026. Share your info now to receive updates.

Meet the Organizers

The planning committee is led by James Rees (Carolina Friends School) and Dan Gilson (Durham Academy), educators committed to fostering community among male professionals in the field.

Expand the Journey

This retreat is part of a broader commitment to transformational adult learning. We invite you to explore our other offerings, including:

• Wellness Programs: Grounding workshops for the body and mind, and even music lessons.
• Racial Justice Journeys: Immersive "rolling classrooms" to Alabama/Atlanta, Wilmington, Memphis/Mississippi, Richmond, New Orleans, and more.