Powerful professional learning rooted in connection, rejuvenation, and joy!
The Institute leverages signature strengths of Carolina Friends School’s curriculum, pedagogy, and educators to help teaching professionals hone their craft through transformational learning experiences.
Programs and services are open to all types of schools and to educators across ages and stages.
These programs, held on our beautiful campus or at other convenient locations, bring together educators with shared needs and interests to learn in community.
Upcoming offerings include:
The Art of Resilience and Renewal | Retreats for Seasoned Educators
Male-Identifying Teachers of Young Children, a daylong retreat to connect and support male-identifying educators working with preschool and elementary age children, coming in 2023-2024
Have an idea for a conference or workshop? Please contact Anthony, Director of the Institute, and let’s see what’s possible!
building a comprehensive onboarding process for new employees
strengthening shared decision-making by a committee, team, or administration
developing a vigorous curriculum
employing holistic assessment tools
using discipline for growth and learning
fostering experiential education
nurturing a positive school culture
creating a student-centered learning environment and experience
using conflict resolution/peace education/restorative practices
engaging mindfulness in teaching, learning, and leadership
and more
Anthony, Director of the Institute, is eager to talk with you informally or in more formal consultation, all at no charge. We don’t believe one size fits all. Let us know your needs and let’s see how we might craft tailored support!
Need coaching or mentoring support for a new division head or other school leader? For a grade-level team or curricular department? We have experienced and expert educators who can help.
Anthony, Director of the Institute, is eager to talk with you informally or in more formal consultation, all at no charge. We don’t believe one size fits all. Let us know your needs and let’s see how we might craft tailored support!
Do you have teachers, staff, and/or administrators who might benefit from seeing what’s happening at another school?
We’d love to welcome you to Carolina Friends for a morning or more. You can see how we use our 126 acre campus of woods, fields, and stream; observe classes; meet with students and/or teachers; engage in topical breakout sessions (e.g. curriculum, restorative practices plus, or student services); and otherwise experience aspects of teaching and learning of interest to you.
We host students in undergraduate and graduate education programs; teachers and administrators from independent, charter, and traditional public schools; and others engaged in supporting students at all levels–from as close as Chapel Hill and Durham and as far as China and Germany.
We offer visits for free or for a fee, depending especially on the number of guests and the nature and duration of the visit (our longest was a month-long immersion experience!).
You can read the impressions of two educators about their November 2021 visit to Carolina Friends.
Please contact Anthony, Director of the Institute, and let’s see what’s possible for you and/or your colleagues!
We are leaving inspired and with full hearts. The work you are doing is truly extraordinary. It is wildly evident how your entire community lives out your values and we were so excited to learn about elements of your design….We are better for having visited with you. Fall 2022 Visitor
Our educators LOVED visiting Carolina Friends and we're eager to send additional folks to see your school. Thank you again for your generosity in hosting us! Fall 2022 Visitor
There is no age limit to learning and living with purpose. Join educators and other curious adults for curated learning experiences on the road, regionally and internationally.
Upcoming offerings include:
The Beloved Community Journey, a six-day bus tour exploring civil rights struggles, past and present, in the South. Summer 2023
Racial Myth and Memory: A Charlottesville Case Study, a weekend dissecting the weight of race at the homes of founders Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe; the campus of the University of Virginia, including its Memorial to Enslaved Laborers; and the site of the Robert E. Lee statue and 2017 Unite the Right rally. Fall 2023
The Quaker Journey, a week retracing the 17th-century roots of Quakerism in Northern England’s breathtaking Lake District. Summer 2024
Have an idea for a Friends Travel study program? Please contact Anthony, Director of the Institute, and let’s see what’s possible!
Be educated. Be challenged. Be inspired. By where we go, by what we learn, by whom we encounter--and by your fellow travelers.