So, you want to do Service Learning with your students. Now what?

There are two paths you can take. One is informal. You can simply take the resources from this site and get started. Many teachers want to "get their feet wet" on their own. 

However, Vista does offer a different, more "formal" option. There is money in the Blueprint for Educational Excellence available for teachers to participate in Service Learning projects (Up to 5 hours per teacher for professional development and collaboration, and an additional 5 hours per teacher for preparation and implementation.) Micro-grants are also available to help teachers get projects started. As part of the project proposal teachers may request up to $250 to pay for essential supplies or supplement transportation costs.

Teachers who choose this option will receive one on one support from the Service Learning TOSA, collaborate with fellow educators, and be paid for preparation and implementation of their project. Teachers will be required to submit a project proposal prior to participation and complete an end of project write-up. To get started simply fill out the Project Proposal or email robertcrowell@vistausd.org
"Begin with the end in mind."-Stephen Covey

Service Learning Guidelines

  • Does the project support the VUSD Mission to inspire every student to persevere as a critical thinker who collaborates to solve real world problems?
  • Does the project meet the Standards of Quality Practice?
  • Does it build civic engagement or student's exposure to the work of work?

Types of Service

IDEAS

Reading List:You may wish to introduce the idea of service through a read aloud. This list from the North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented has books for a variety of grade levels to help you get started.

Your project should be rooted in the context of what your students are already learning. A few worthy subjects for consideration include:

​http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/pds/bldg/green.html