Luther College
EN-12: Continuing Education

Spring 2017: Systems Leadership Learning Community: The Center for Sustainable Communities hosted a year-long group of teachers and guidance counselors (6 meetings, 20 teachers) to train them how to create systems change within their schools, related to health and sustainability. Our focus was teaching leadership development, learning and applying the systems change model, and working towards a shared vision for healthy school culture. Each participant created and implemented an action plan within the year. Summer 2017: Finding Your Inner Scientist: (This course was offered twice, 50 teachers participated, both sessions were filled) Do science, teach science. This workshop will place teachers on the front lines of doing science, building their confidence and content knowledge, in order to develop and integrate more inquiry-based science modules into their classrooms. The workshop’s unique design, engages teachers in inquiry oriented lab work and experimentation in research laboratories on the Luther College campus and within the greater watershed of the Upper Iowa River. This highly peer interactive experience provides opportunity for more networking among elementary and middle school educators while contributing to innovative teaching and leadership using STEM concepts. The course curriculum includes learning about issues related to water quality, sustainability and biodiversity in the region. FALL 2017: Local And Renewable Energy Series: The Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities partnered with the Winneshiek Energy District and Decorah Power in order to host a learning series related to local and renewable energy for community members in the region. Workshops ran the gamut from learning about microgrids and understanding renewable backup systems to community action towards energy independence. Each workshop was 2- hours in lengths and featured notable guests from throughout the Midwest working in the energy field. Roughly 10 – 20 participants attended each of the nine workshops. Sustainable Cooking Classes: 2018 Schedule Throughout the course of the year, Luther offers a wide range of food education classes to members of the campus community. An average of 98 staff and faculty members have participated in these cooking classes for the last three years. These events are meant to provide a time and space for faculty and staff from different parts of campus to spend time together while learning a new skill and eating something delicious. All participants of the CSA Rebate Program are required to participate in two opportunities over the course of the summer. A complete list of courses is available on this wesbite: https://www.luther.edu/sustainability/food/classes/. For the purposes of reporting, we are counting this series as one continuing education course. In conjunction with the work of the Northeast Iowa Food & Fitness Initiative, Luther College has conducted dozens of continuing education courses throughout 2017-2019. Over the last two years, the Food & Fitness team has taught an estimated 2,450 parents. More details of these classes can be found in the Additional Documentation section below.

https://www.luther.edu/sustainability/food/classes/