In 2007, the Oxford Institute for Environmental Education received a generous grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, to fund a three year pilot program called the Live Oak Initiative. This grant was provided for the purpose of meeting three important objectives. First, we have developed a new web-based tool to extend and sustain the creative impact of the summer Institute. Second, we have developed a new recruiting strategy to enliven and invigorate the geographical reach and impact of the OIEE to teachers in South Georgia and northern Florida. Finally, we will enhance teacher collaboration empower their leadership as environmental educators by hosting the Live Oak Symposium in 2010.

The Live Oak Initiative offers the following opportunities for all teachers with additional support and incentives for educators in South Georgia and northern Florida

• Stipends for teachers attending the OIEE summer workshop
  


• Grants to support schoolyard investigations created during the summer workshop


• On-campus housing for teachers from the targeted areas outside metropolitan Atlanta who attend the summer workshop


• Funds to cover travel expenses for teachers from the targeted areas to participate in our summer workshop


• Web published Schoolyard Investigation Plans (SYIP) – Each summer teachers develop plans for using inquiry approaches to teaching in their schoolyard. These are created to meet specific grade level content goals and to take advantage of hands-on approaches in the schoolyard, outdoor classroom or nearby natural area. These are now available to all teachers under the FORUM. Here you will also find a virtual discussion area for asking and responding to questions from other classroom teachers.