Teacher Residencies at GilChrist

The Nancy M. and Douglas M. Yeager Family Foundation, in partnership with GilChrist Retreat Center and the Fetzer Institute, is pleased to offer ten self-guided, one-week residencies for preschool through fifth grade teachers from July 16-23. This will mark our 20^th summer!

The residencies provide selected teachers with the opportunity to spend a quiet week of reflection, writing, reading, and planning for the upcoming school year and beyond. GilChrist’s hilltop meetinghouse and beautiful cottages on wooded sites overlooking a restful and rolling native prairie provide an ideal setting for a truly contemplative experience. Several facilitated contemplative practices are offered throughout the week, for those who would like to participate. These include practices such as guided meditation, yoga, writing and visual arts, as well as conversation and opening and closing community meals.

There is no residency fee to be paid by the applicant, and there is no allowance beyond the living facility paid by the sponsor. The selected teachers are responsible for travel expenses, meals, and materials.

Click here for more information and to complete the application form. 

Please submit your application by Wednesday, April 24 (Due to a glitch early on, we’re extending the deadline by a few days in case anyone was negatively impacted). Residency recipients will be notified on or before May 6.

Registration and Lodging Details

Accepted applicants will receive information in advance on the program schedule, cabin reservations, optional facilitated contemplative practices, and check-in and check-out times. Other than opening and closing group dinners, individual participants are responsible for their own meals. Each guest space at GilChrist is equipped with a complete kitchen. See GilChrist FAQ for more information about the center.