Exeter Humanities Institute

Conferences will take place June 23-28, 2024

The Exeter Humanities Institute offers teachers an opportunity to experience the student-centered, discussion-based Harkness pedagogy of Phillips Exeter Academy. Living together on Exeter’s campus for five days, participants learn as students and reflect as teachers. By engaging with peers from around the world, participants also have a chance to recharge after a year of teaching. While the program primarily serves secondary school teachers of English and History, teachers of other age groups and disciplines – particularly religion, the humanities and languages – are welcome.

EHI was one of the most intellectually generative and generous experiences I have had in my lifetime. I feel excited and refreshed to head into my next school year.

Read more participant testimonials from the Exeter Humanities Institute 

Conference programming begins Sunday and includes a Harkness demonstration. On Monday and throughout the week, each day begins with morning classes. Participants study texts before class so they can engage in discussion as either a student, leader or observer. Following the discussion, participants explore issues and strategies of discussion-based learning. Participants may choose from a variety of afternoon activities: attending workshops on the Harkness pedagogy and presentations on curriculum, preparing for the next day’s assignments, using the Academy library to research new teaching materials, or just enjoying the New England campus and town.  A detailed schedule will be emailed to participants in June.

Since the first Exeter Humanities Institute in 2000, conference leaders curate texts on a common topic to provide content that encourages interdisciplinary discussions in the classroom. Our 2024  topic will be Rivers.

Contact:

Lauren Rosen, Conference manager
conferences@exeter.edu
603-777-4471

Tyler Caldwell, Conference director
603-777-4092