Place-Based Ambassadors Program
The Place-Based Ambassadors Program will be discontinued after the 2024-2025 cohort
The University Liggett School Place-Based Ambassadors Program connects place-based educators from around the United States. Place-Based Ambassadors:
build enduring connections with like-minded place-based educators,
enhance their educational practice through deep exploration with place-based content, and
provide their expertise to enhance LocLore programming.
Congratulations to Our 2024-2025 Place-Based Ambassadors!
Nate Crimmins, Canterbury School, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Hunter Janness, The School at Marygrove, Detroit, Michigan
Kathryn Kao, Morristown Beard School, Morristown, New Jersey
Donna Kimelman, Bolden Elementary Middle School, Beaufort, South Carolina
Olivia Johnstone, Cicely L. Tyson Performing Arts High School, East Orange, New Jersey
Wendy M. Langeland, Waukazoo Elementary School, Holland, Michigan
Bill McGarrigle, Taunton High School, Taunton, Massachusetts
Sarah Neely, Maire Elementary School, Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Vanessa Smolenski, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, Canton, Michigan
Jennifer Surmay, Brookside Place School, Cranford, New Jersey
Benefits of the Program
Place-Based Ambassadors receive:
previews and input into upcoming ULS place-based programming,
priority admission to ULS place-based programming throughout the year, and
ULS place-based gear and accessories
Ambassador Criteria
Successful Place-Based Ambassadors:
advocated for place-based learning in their local communities,
committed to attending and participating in bi-monthly ambassadors meetings,Â
workshopped place-based lessons with their colleagues, and
attended and provided feedback on LocLore programming.
Calendar of Events
The following are the scheduled meetings of the Place-Based Ambassadors Program during the 2024-2025 cohort. All meetings will take place virtually from 6-7:30pm Eastern time.
October 8, 2024
A Presentation from Place-Based Expert Sarah K. Anderson
Introducing the Cohort and the Year Ahead
December 11, 2024
Group Reconnection and Maintenance
Lesson/Activity Presentations and Workshop
Summer 2024/2025 Workshop Feedback/Ideas
Upcoming Programs to Support
February 12, 2025
Group Reconnection and Maintenance
Lesson/Activity Presentations and Workshop
Podcast and Journal Program Feedback/Ideas
Upcoming Programs to Support
April 9, 2025
Group Reconnection and Maintenance
Lesson/Activity Presentations and Workshop
Special Guest Speaker and Discussion
Upcoming Programs to Support
June 11, 2025
Group Reconnection and Maintenance
Lesson/Activity Presentations and Workshop
Improving the Place-Based Ambassadors
Upcoming Programs to Support
