About
summer Teacher Residencies are...
usually 10 one-week residencies offered in modern, fully furnished cottages at the GilChrist Retreat Center in southwestern Michigan. There is no residency fee to be paid by a participating teacher, and there is no allowance beyond the living facility paid by the sponsor. The teacher is responsible for travel expenses, meals and materials.
The residencies provide selected teachers with the opportunity to spend a quiet week of reflection, writing, reading, and planning for the following school year and beyond. The retreat setting and environment is ideal for a truly contemplative experience. The beautiful cottages on wooded sites overlooking a restful and rolling meadow, provide a TV-free, phone-free and hassle-free environment.
Typically, all of our selected teachers spend a week together in July, and may participate and interact with each other as much or as little as they prefer. Over the years, facilitated activities such as Yoga, Meditiation and Mindfulness, Writing, and Art have been introduced. Group dinners at the start and conclusion of the week are held to enhance the experience.
Eligible preschool through fifth grade teachers are sponsored by our family foundation, in partnership with the GilChrist Retreat Center of the Fetzer Institute. The application process is initiated in the winter of each year. Online applications will be coordinated by the Fetzer Institute.
RECENT HISTORY
The residencies in 2020 were canceled because of the pandemic. A Mini-Retreat for Teachers was also canceled.
In 2021, eight seven-day enhanced solo teacher retreats were offered in place of the group residencies.
In 2022, our traditional teacher residencies resumed, including 10 self-guided one-week residencies, five four-night self-guided residencies, and five solo retreats with flexible dates.
2023’s residencies returned entirely to the traditional format, having all teachers attend together during one special week in July.
2024 marked the 20th year in which the residencies have been offered! The 2025 edition recently concluded with eight wonderful teachers from around the midwest participating. Thanks to all the teachers who took part, along with GilChrist and Fetzer staff for their programming and support. And thanks to the activity facilitators as well.
2026 TEACHER RESIDENCIES
The next Residency will be held in July, 2026, with the specific dates to be announced in the future. The application link below will be used, but the application process through our partner, the Fetzer Institute of Kalamazoo, Michigan, will not be open until January, 2026. Until then, the link has been disabled.
To learn more details, see the Fetzer Institute’s site: Teacher Residencies at GilChrist | The Fetzer Institute
