Professional Development Opportunities for Educators
The Howl Experience promotes unique land-based professional development experiences designed to help educators redraw the boundaries of what they feel is possible in their classrooms and leave them feeling personally enriched and reconnected to the land. We aim to support educators on their own journeys by providing inspiring, land-based programming that exemplifies experiential learning. Howl’s professional development programs are focused on our four core teachings of ReconciliACTION, Climate Action, Community Building and Personal Resilience.
East Coast Educator Professional Development
October 3 - 7, 2026
Applications opening soon. Check our social media for updates.
Our East Coast programs are based in Nova Scotia. Throughout the program, we will travel through the traditional territories of the Mi’kmaq People.
This 5-day (4-night) program will make the Atlantic Ocean your classroom on this PD experience. Enjoy hands-on learning and discovery along Nova Scotia’s South and Eastern shores. You’ll slow down to understand the world through the lens of diverse coastal communities whose cultures, livelihoods and landscapes are shaped by the sea. Perched at the gateway to the 100 Wild Islands, your home base will be The Deanery Project, a world-class Environmental and Arts Learning Centre, referred to as “a living laboratory” with onsite access to ocean, trails, and a community sound studio. With an approach rooted in the Mi’kmaw concept of Etuaptmumk, or two-eyed seeing, you’ll gain knowledge of the Wabanaki forest and Atlantic coastal ecosystems while building skills in community leadership, Treaty rights, grass-roots climate resilience and sustainable living.
Participants are responsible for booking their own travel to/from Halifax (YHZ). All ground transportation is covered while on program.
Transportation
A free participant shuttle to and from the program location will offer pick-ups and drop-offs at the following locations:
- Dartmouth Zatzman Sportsplex
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport
$1,950/person.
This cost covers all on-program costs, including meals, accommodations, ground transportation and on-program activities.
Cost
Accomodation
The Deanery Project is located on a beautiful 25-acre oceanfront property just 65 km east of Halifax, in Lower Ship Harbour on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia. The facilities include a spacious community hall, dorm-style accommodations, a community sound studio, outdoor classrooms, and diverse hiking trails. The property extends to the shoreline of Ship Harbour, providing water access to the protected wilderness areas of Ship Harbour Long Lake, Tangier Grand, and the 100 Wild Islands.
Accommodations during the program will be in communal dorms within the main lodge of The Deanery, immersed in beautiful natural settings.
Meals provided throughout the program will be mostly vegetarian with a strong focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Most dietary restrictions and preferences can be accommodated.
Program Outcomes
Cultural History and ReconciliACTION
Taking an approach that is rooted in relationship, authenticity and storytelling, you'll will develop an understanding of colonialism in Mi’kma’ki (Atlantic Canada). Learn from Elders and Knowledge Holders and engage with community-based reconciliation that is being practiced in real time. Truth, courage, hope, hardship and resiliency are woven into the collective story of this land. Understanding these stories helps us understand ourselves and our country.
Climate Action and Adaptation
Using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, gain an understanding of sea level rise and climate change trends, seeing first-hand how systems and communities are working together to adapt, discovering optimism in facing the impacts of a rapidly changing world.
Community Connection and Volunteerism
Whether it’s harvesting eel grass from the beach to use as fertilizer for gardens, or helping a wildlife rehabilitation centre prepare their space for new animals, Howl’s community partnerships are alive with reciprocity, reflecting the needs and values of coastal communities who can’t wait to meet you.
Creative Expression and Wellbeing
Through arts based methodology as well as guided personal reflection, gain confidence embracing creative approaches to teaching. Everyone has a creative spark and a story to tell. This program will offer you a dedicated space to strengthen the light they carry.
