Connect On and Off-line with the GSN

NYLC’s Generator School Network and its growing community of practitioners is rapidly becoming a one-stop shop for all things related to high-quality service-learning. With 393 dedicated service-learning practitioners as registered users, 95 projects that follow the Service-Learning Cycle and 297 curricular resources, the GSN serves as a project organization tool and, increasingly, a space for practitioners to connect.

"The GSN website takes the mystery out of service-learning. It is a treasure trove of ideas, resources, and contacts," said Scott Lewis, service-learning coordinator in California’s Fremont Unified School District.

Membership is free and open to educators committed to the vision that high-quality service-learning should be part of the school experience for every student.

Get an Advisor

An important asset of the GSN is access to an advisor during the self-assessment process. "The ability to have a personal connection with someone who offers support and encouragement makes it more than just a website," said Lisa Lenhart-Murphy, service-learning coordinator at Benilde-St. Margaret's and one of 22 advisors. "When I was paired with the service-learning coordinator from another Catholic school of similar size and demographics, we completely understood each other," she added.

Find Project Ideas

At the core of the website is NYLC's Signature Service-Learning Curriculum. In addition to interactive resources, the Service-Learning Cycle guides teachers through the documentation and sharing of their projects. "It helped me think through all phases of the Cycle — not that I needed to follow each one in order," said Marcia Applen, a retired long-time teacher and self-proclaimed technology novice. "Once you get started with it, it is so easy and comfortable. The GSN website is my go-to site if I want really current teaching tools and fresh ideas."

Access Value-Added Professional Development

"The GSN offers a human dimension, even though it is technological," said Kate McPherson, co-facilitator of the National Service-Learning Conference's Administrators Academy. Prior to the day-long Academy, McPherson encouraged workshop registrants to connect online. Within the GSN, she posted articles from each of the session's presenters for pre-reading, and created opportunities for discussion before and after, adding a new dimension and lasting value to the on-site session.

Other professional development opportunities are available on the website including online discussions, webinars, and training ideas posted by fellow users.

Experience New Multimedia Tools

A new feature of the website is Lift, a multimedia tool designed to help practitioners understand the K-12 Service-Learning Standards for Quality Practice through video vignettes and downloadable resources highlighting three high-quality service-learning programs. "We all get stuck in what the standards should really look like," said Amanda Larson, Generator School Network Coordinator at NYLC. "Through the Lift you can see the standards come alive."

Viewers and participants agree. Kelsey Schonning, an AmeriCorps VISTA, said, "Wow! This resource is incredible. I sat at my desk and watched it for almost an hour. What a wonderful collection of stories, insights, and ideas."