Pacific Education Institute

08/26/2026

Join us! PEI's fearless leader Kathryn Kurtz is moving on to her next adventure and we're taking a moment to celebrate her many contributions to PEI and to education in our state. Please R.S.V.P. by September 16th.

Register here: https://www.tfaforms.com/5231564

08/25/2026

Interesting article on the role of place-based learning in engineering from the The University of Queensland. FieldSTEM teachers, this approach may sound familiar!

From the story:

"Place-based learning focuses on embedding education within the social and ecological realities of specific locations. Instead of studying abstract case studies, students engage with real communities (or representations of them) to understand how technological solutions unfold in context.

For engineers, this is transformational. It challenges the idea that problems can be solved in isolation. It reminds students that communities are not blank slates onto which technologies can be stamped. Every place has its own history, culture, vulnerabilities and opportunities."

Tony Heynen explains how social frameworks are helping students develop appropriate energy solutions in remote Indigenous communities in Queensland, Australia

08/24/2026

Teachers, here's a great way to kick off the school year: PEI's Introduction to FieldSTEM Asynchronous Course.

Introduction to FieldSTEM is an asynchronous, online course designed for K-12 educators interested in integrating outdoor, place-based learning into their instruction. Participants learn about the benefits of outdoor learning for students and how the FieldSTEM model helps them connect their current content to local issues.

Course Details:
6 Washington State STEM clock hours (formal K–12 educators)
Self-paced, asynchronous format
Cost: $75 (see registration form for refund policy)

Cohort Options:
September Cohort: September 1 – September 22
October Cohort: October 1 - October 22
(Participants have 3 weeks to complete the course once access opens.)

Register for either course cohort here: https://www.tfaforms.com/5231426

If you have already completed this course, please share this opportunity with your colleagues. We have a limited contact list and appreciate all help spreading the word.

08/19/2026

Sharing on behalf of our friends at Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. The best way to support wildlife during this unprecedented wildfire season may not be what you think. Please read and share.

In addition to taking steps to keep you and your family safe, wildfire safety means giving wildlife space.

After a wildfire you may see deer, elk, birds, and other wild animals in unfamiliar places. They may be displaced, but they are resilient. Most wildlife will return to burned areas soon after a fire passes.

Please help by remembering:

• Do not feed or give water to wildlife. It can keep wild animals in unsuitable areas instead of encouraging them to move on to more appropriate habitat. Feeding can also bring groups of animals together where they can spread disease to one another. In Washington, it is illegal to feed deer, elk, or moose, or leave out feed that attracts them. It is also illegal to feed black bears or other large carnivores.

• Do not approach, handle, or attempt to move wild animals. Injured or frightened animals can be unpredictable. Give them an escape route and move to a safe distance. If an animal is obviously ill or injured, contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. Never attempt to care for wild animals yourself; it can make the situation worse.

• To report unusual wildlife behavior, contact WDFW at 360-902-2515 or [email protected].

WDFW has implemented fire restrictions on many WDFW-managed lands. Refer to our wildfire information webpage for details about current closures or restrictions: wdfw.wa.gov/about/wdfw-lands/wildfire.

Photo by WDFW of a bird flying through smoke near a fire.

08/18/2026

Onalaska High School soon-to-be juniors Samantha Ellis and Callista Johnston share their perspectives on the school's aquaculture & fisheries CTE course and YESS program.

Warning: watching this video may result in side effects such as an increased knowledge of fish.

Also, if you work for Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, get ready because it sounds like Callista may be heading your way.

Enjoy!

08/14/2026

Psst! Taylor Shellfish Farms Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association and Seattle Shellfish, soon-to-be-junior Conner Risley is just one Onalaska High School student in the school's amazing aquaculture & fisheries course who is planning to make this his career. Conner participated in the school's YESS program this summer.

Watch this short video to learn about his career plans and what he would tell other students about the program.

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08/13/2026

After ten years, PEI’s fearless leader Kathryn Kurtz is stepping into retirement from her position as Executive Director. Already, one community member sent us a check with the message, ‘In honor of Kathryn’s retirement.’ Kathryn is inviting others to honor her departure by investing in PEI.

From August 2 through October 2, we will be accepting contributions in her name. Make sure your message says ‘Kathryn’s Retirement Campaign’ or ‘In Honor of Kathryn’ so we’ll know what it’s for. What better way to honor her legacy? Thank you in advance!

Contribute here: https://pacificeducationinstitute.org/engage-with-us/donate/

08/12/2026

Valentina London and Daron Williams of Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife share their perspectives on why programs like YESS matter during a visit to Onalaska High School.

08/11/2026

Enjoy this short video!

Kennedy describes the possibilities she's considering for her future career, including entomology and the natural resources apprenticeship program through Spokane Conservation District. Kennedy is part of our new YESS pilot program through Spokane Public Schools.

08/10/2026

Project WET just released its annual impact report and this seems like a good time to remind you of the resources and support they offer.

To bring a Project WET training to your community, contact PEI's Associate Director Megan Rivard if you're in Western Washington and Diane Ghill of if you live in Eastern Washington.