Professional learning series for inclusive environmental education_足彩app哪个是正规的

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Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:49:29 +0000
Education, Event Recaps

A UW Bothell professional learning series helps educators build more inclusive environmental education, with practical tools, shared experiences, and space to rethink who feels welcome in environmental learning spaces.

足彩app哪个是正规的 post Professional learning series for inclusive environmental education appeared first on Collaborative for Socio-Ecological Engagement.

This past weekend, educators from Tacoma to Bellingham gathered at CoSEE to explore how to bring literacy and socio-ecological learning to students with diverse support needs in K–8 classrooms.

足彩app哪个是正规的s receiving special education services are often left out of STEM, outdoor, and science learning. 足彩app哪个是正规的 CoSEE Adaptive Library Initiative focuses on practical ways to change that. 足彩app哪个是正规的 educators in the room came to learn how.

Maddie Iem, Program Manager, and Kaylin Datwyler, Program Assistant, at CoSEE’s first Adaptive Library PD Event.

Maddie Iem explains the concept behind the Adaptive Library and why it matters.

What an adaptive book makes possible

足彩app哪个是正规的 idea is simple: when a child has the language and tools to engage with a story, they can participate. 足彩app哪个是正规的y notice, name, and respond. 足彩app哪个是正规的y begin to take part in conversations about ecosystems, rather than just listening to them.

That access takes deliberate design. Developed with STEM faculty at the University of Washington Bothell and CoSEE Program Manager Maddie Iem, each book includes built-in communication supports, prompts, and multisensory elements. Using open-source tools, the team creates augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports, including communication boards, vocabulary icons, embedded questions, and sensory pieces that make environmental literature more accessible.

Vocabulary is a big part of that access. Core words like “go,” “I,” “want,” and “like” make up much of everyday speech and help students respond to what they see and feel. Fringe words carry the subject matter. In a forest story, that might include “Douglas fir,” “sword fern,” “green,” or “blue.” When both are included, students can interact with a story about nature, not just listen to it.

CoSEE Program Assistant Kaylin Datwyler shared completed books for educators to browse. Many connect to CoSEE’s hands-on educational kits. 足彩app哪个是正规的 Great Pollinator Count, for example, pairs with the Mason Bee House Kit and the Bee Monitoring Kit, so a story can extend into a hands-on activity. 足彩app哪个是正规的 book also includes tactile elements such as wooden flowers and a stuffed bee to support exploration during reading.

Kaylin Datwyler, sharing to the audience her story from intern working to help build out the Adaptive Library to full-time Program Assistant mentoring and teaching interns how to build out the Adaptive Library.

Maddie Iem showing the adaptive icons, core words, that can be placed and used throughout CoSEE’s books as well as in CoSEE’s communication boards.

A two-way exchange

After Iem and CoSEE Director Veronica Cassone McGowan introduced the adaptive book model, educators worked on their own materials. Some adapted CoSEE books that are not yet part of the library. Others focused on titles they already use in their classrooms.

足彩app哪个是正规的ir input shaped the program in real time.

“Folks were sharing books they’ve used in their classrooms and titles that should be added to the library,” Iem said. “It led to some thoughtful conversations about which stories matter.”

Those conversations are already leading to changes. CoSEE is developing a public list of all books in the adaptive library, expected to go live on the website in the coming months. 足彩app哪个是正规的 team is also preparing a free Canva template, available on request, so educators can adapt their own books using CoSEE’s icons and question structures.

Dr. Veronica Cassone McGowan, CoSEE Director having conversations about CoSEE’s Adaptive Library and its adaptive features.

Maddie Iem, discussing with the audience about adaptive features in CoSEE’s books.

Where it goes from here

足彩app哪个是正规的 work depends on educators willing to share what they use and try new approaches. This series created space for both.

“Creating this library has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” Iem said. “We have a lot of ideas for how to expand it in ways that meet the needs of the families and communities we serve.”

This professional learning series was supported by funding from the Washington Climate Justice Teacher Education Seed Grant Program. More events are planned.

To check out or build your own CoSEE adaptive book, fill out this form.

CoSEE team, Veronica Cassone McGowan, CoSEE Director on far left, Kaylin Datwyler, Program Assistant in the middle, and Maddie Iem, Program Manager on far right at PD Event.

One of the adapted books in the library, “足彩app哪个是正规的 Tide Pool Waits” by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Amy Hevron.

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