Fort Activity Instructor Training & Class of Discovery Teacher Workshop

The cornerstone of the success for "Class of Discovery" is the team-teaching approach. Park staff, classroom teachers, adult volunteers and parents come together to help students experience and learn about the expedition. Teachers are trained to conduct visitor center and outdoor activities during a workshop which is offered twice a year (once in early fall and once in winter). Adult volunteers and parents are trained to teach the activities at the fort. A ranger in buckskin at the fort and a uniformed ranger at the visitor center coordinate the entire team on the day of the program.

Training

1) "Class of Discovery" Teacher Workshop (C.O.D.T.W.): Mandatory for all NEW educators participating in the "Class of Discovery" education program AND educators who have not participated in the in-park program for 3 years since training.

2) Fort Activity Instructor Training (F.A.I.T.): This workshop will prepare your adult volunteers to step into the role of educator for a day. They will receive instruction in the basics of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and learn how to teach the six hands-on activities at the fort. The movie "A Clatsop Winter Story," and a brief tour of the park is included. These Fort Activity Instructors will then teach the hands-on activities to your school's students during the field trip.

 

Class of Discovery Teacher Workshop

Each classroom teacher with a class participating in the program must attend a six hour training class. During your program one classroom teacher must be at the fort during the class's visit.

Everything you need to know about conducting "Class of Discovery" will be covered during this workshop. Attendance qualifies you to bring a class to participate in the "Class of Discovery" program. You will participate in and learn how to conduct the in-park program activities for the visitor center, trails and the hands-on activities at the fort. In addition, you will receive resource materials to prepare your class prior to their visit.

Time:	9 am to Noon & 1 pm - 4 pm
Cost:	No Park Fees for groups participating in Class of Discovery programs.
Class Size:	Max of 10 participants
To register call Education Staff at [phone] or e-mail

 

Fort Activity Instructor Training

Purpose of the training? This workshop will prepare your adult volunteers to step into the role of the educator for a day. They will receive instruction in the basics of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and learn how to teach the six hands-on activities. The film, "A Clatsop Winter Story," and a brief tour of the park is included. These Fort Activity Instructors will then teach the hands-on activities to your school's students during the field trip.

How many volunteers should you send to training? Each school is required to register a minimum of 6 volunteers for each reserved program day, though 8 is preferred.

When should your volunteers come through training? Ideally no more than one month prior to your trip. Training typically takes place September-October and February-April.

Note: Often adult volunteers registered to attend this training do not show up. Please make sure you have firm commitments, reliable people and extra volunteers ready to be trained so your program won't be canceled.

Returning Fort Activity Instructors:
If you are a returning school, you may utilize fort activity instructors from previous years. These instructors do not have to attend a training class IF they were successful instructors during the previous school year. Please let us know how many returning instructors you have on your reservation forms.

Please note class length is two and a half to 3 hours. This has changed from the previous 4 hour course. Please make sure to be on time and ready to go!

Cost: There is no cost for trainees.

Class Size: 2-10 participants

If you have any questions about the education programs offered, please contact the park's education team by phone: [phone] or by e-mail.