Role reversal: Teachers are students during tour

The Lewes Education Coalition hosted its second A Day in Lewes tour for a group of state teachers. During the Aug. 7 visit, the group made stops at the Lewes Historical Society; Lightship Overfalls; Zwaanendael Museum; University of Delaware's Hugh R. Sharp College of Earth, Ocean and Environment; DELRIVER, the Delaware Bay & River Cooperative's oil spill recovery vessel; Fort Miles; and Seaside Nature Center in Cape Henlopen State Park.

All are members of the coalition, which is devoted to exposing educators to the experiences Lewes has to offer in the areas of history, science, engineering and the arts. “The day helps to raise awareness that there are a lot of different things do see and do here in a small area. The goal is to build up more school trips here,” said Chris Petrone, University of Delaware marine education specialist.

Petrone said many teachers, even local ones, are not aware of the extent of possible field trips. “Many have no idea,” he said. Petrone said many evaluations contain the same phrase: “I had no idea Lewes had this much to offer.”

Petrone said the coalition is aware schools are cutting back on field trips; many of those that do take place are now geared more toward educational experiences. “Teachers are now looking for trips to supplement curriculum. Trips need to offer high-quality activities,” he said.

And that's just what the seven coalition members can offer, he said. Education experiences are now incorporated into the organization’s offerings. “We offer a lot of value,” he said.

For more information, contact Petrone at 645-4308.