Pro Vita Offers Something for Everyone
During the last week before spring vacation, Berkshire students, faculty, staff and guest teachers embark on a week-long journey exploring passions and interests. Students enjoy a break from the regular curriculum and faculty turn their focus to a topic of their interest. With over 90 courses on topics ranging from presidential politics and Northern Ireland to intellectual property law and landscape design, there is always something for everyone during Pro Vita.
In addition to the regular faculty, a number of guest teachers lend their expertise to the endeavor. Past guests have included alumni, like David Rondeau '78, who taught an investment management class, Ennals Berl ’81, who led an improvisational theater workshop, and Matt Hastings '85 who taught a course in TV Writing and Production. Others were parents of current students who taught classes that ranged from "Learn to Fly" which took place at the Great Barrington Airport to a course in entrepreneurship. Read more from the parents' perspective. Several local residents have made appearances during Pro Vita, including master basket maker Wendy Jensen, landscaper Chris Tomich, and former major leaguer Jim Bouton. Read more about Pro Vita 2010 and the schedule of events.
Pro Vita activity is not restricted to the classroom. Guest performers have included Shakespeare & Co., members of the Metropolitan Opera's Young Artist Series, various authors including Mark Mathabane and Pulitzer Prize-winning Irish poet Paul Muldoon, and several collegiate a cappella groups. The week is capped off with a school-wide assembly where students exhibit all kinds of work. There are architectural models, Shaker candleboxes, and other artwork created over the course of the week on display, musical numbers and dances performed, films shown and various other talents on display.
To review the course catalog for 2010, click here.
To review the course catalog for 2009, click here.
Click here for the 2010 Pro Vita daily schedule. | 
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