The Mielke Summer Institute is a liberal arts approach to the professional development of K-12 educators from the Appleton and Shawano public schools. 

It provides participants with the opportunity to explore new ideas and examine issues of societal importance from a multidisciplinary perspective in a collegial environment characterized by open-mindedness and mutual respect.

About the Program

The Summer Institute combines serious study and playful inquiry. It is expected that participants will find areas of common interest with other educators across disciplines and grade levels, and that the resulting links will encourage both communication and collaboration in the future. The knowledge and skills that fellows acquire during the Summer Institute will, in time and in various ways, affect their work as educators. However, the goal is to provide intellectual stimulation and renewal for the participants themselves on the assumption that, ultimately, the best teachers are those who are continuously learning, exploring and creating.

Cost & Credits

  • No tuition.
  • 6 graduate credits. You must be in residence the entire week to receive the 6 graduate units.
  • Free room and board. Room (double-occupancy with private baths) and board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be provided courtesy of Lawrence University. 

There will be ample free time so participants can explore Björklunden’s 441-acre estate and the rest of Door County. Participants will be expected to stay at the lodge for the duration of the institute.

Questions about the Mielke Summer Institute?

Call Stewart Purkey 920-832-6715 or Katie Van Zeeland 920-832-6714.

2025 Mielke Summer Institute - What We Do Is Teach!

Since its beginning, the Mielke Summer Institute in the Liberal Arts has focused on addressing issues of social and cultural significance from an interdisciplinary and, increasingly, multicultural perspective.  To that end, we have examined how the visual arts, philosophy, natural science, history, theater, social science, literature, and music, each by itself and in combination with other liberal arts disciplines, can deepen, enrich and, at times, challenge our understanding of the world around us. 

The Summer Institute was also created to be an ongoing example of professional development that trusts K-12 educators and believes that their practice will always, in myriad but unpredictable ways, be enriched by engaging in study and conversation with other educators.  Given that, we have rarely spent the entire week at Björklunden thinking, specifically, about curriculum and instruction.  This summer, however, we plan to do just that: read about, think about, talk about what we do, how we do it and why we do it. 

Under the theme, What We Do Is Teach!, we will explore a variety of pedagogical topics, some of which have long histories (e.g., culturally and historically responsive teaching, enduring ethical dilemmas and philosophical issues), some of which have only recently emerged (e.g., the use of AI and machine learning, parental rights laws) and some of which we now know more about (differentiated learning, advances in the science of learning).  We’ll explore ways in which theater arts can help us create more engaging classroom learning experiences. We’ll spend some time outdoors, paying attention to what we see and hear and thinking about how that translates to what we do in school. We’ll see a film or two about teachers and teaching and kids.  And, throughout, we’ll have the opportunity to talk at length and in depth with other K-12 educators and with Lawrence faculty about what we do, how we do it and why we do it. 

During the week, seminar sessions take place in the morning, afternoon and evening and we are confident that, as people said about good butchers once upon a time, we “give good weight” intellectually.  Still, of late and especially in these times we’ve realized the value of providing green time, space in which we can simply enjoy Björklunden’s beautiful grounds (“touching grass” in TikTok-speak) and being with people who understand what it means to teach – and why we need to relax, refresh and renew at the end of the school year. 

So, whether you are a brand-new teacher or a veteran educator, whether you have attended Mielke before or never yet, we welcome your participation.  We look forward to learning with you and from you and we look forward to the pleasure of your company!

~ Stewart Purkey

 

2025 Mielke Summer Institute Printable Brochure

The 2025 Mielke Summer Institute will be held at Bjorklunden in Door County from Sunday evening, June 22 through noon on Friday, June 27.  Participants will stay at Lawrence’s lodge in Baileys Harbor on Lake Michigan.

Any educator in the Appleton and Shawano Public Schools may apply. A maximum of 24 applicants can be accepted. Previous participants and applicants are urged to reapply.

Required Application Materials

Candidate Application Form
Briefly state your interest and motivation for attending the Mielke Summer Institute in the Liberal Arts. Indicate qualities you possess that will enhance the program.

Supervisor Recommendation Form
This form is extremely important in the selection process. The supervisor should give specific reasons why you will be an asset to and benefit from the Mielke program.

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
All participants must be fully vaccinated, including all recommended boosters.

Deadlines & Notification

Your supervisor’s recommendation and candidate application form must be received by March 14, 2025. No late applications can be accepted. Notification of acceptance will be during the week of March 31, 2025.

Contact these teacher coordinators for more information:

Appleton Public Schools
Brian Bartel, Johnston Elementary School
920-832-6265
bartelbrian@aasd.k12.wi.us

Michelle Johnson, Lincoln Elementary School
920-832-6270
gibsonmichelle@aasd.k12.wi.us

 

Shawano Public Schools
Megan Pyatskowit, Shawano Community High School
mpyatskowit@shawanoschools.org

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