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 February 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 in July were a great success. Thanks to all the teachers who took part, along with GilChrist and Fetzer staff for their assistance. And thanks to the facilitators as well.
THE 2024 RESIDENCIES WERE HELD JULY 16-23. 2024 marked the 20th year in which the residencies have been offered!
Check back with this space in early 2025 for the next Teacher Residency. To learn more details, and to fill out the application, see the Fetzer Institute’s site: Teacher Residencies at GilChrist | The Fetzer Institute
