Outdoor Minds: Connecting Students with Nature Through Innovative Outdoor Education
Inspired by Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and the book, The Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv, this course empowers teachers to reimagine education beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Participants will discover strategies to create meaningful bridges between students and the natural world while exploring two pivotal shifts that can revitalize teaching practices: moving from information delivery to authentic inquiry and from isolated learning to collaborative discovery.
Throughout this transformative experience, participants will develop project ideas for incorporating the natural world into instructional practices. The course supports teachers in building upon these concepts while weaving interdisciplinary skills into the teaching journey, ultimately helping educators break free from the four walls of the classroom to create dynamic, nature-connected learning experiences
By course completion, participants will have developed a transformation plan tailored to student needs. Participants will leave with practical strategies, a supportive network of fellow educators, and the confidence to implement meaningful change into the learning environment.
FORMAT: Asynchronous online learning
DATES: 3/5/26 - 4/9/26
GCRTC FACILITATORS/CONTACTS: Geoff Bizan, Denise Lutter, Ed.D., Erica Boms Egdemir, and Mary Ann Nickeloy, GCRTC Teacher Leadership Coaches [geoff@teachers-center.org] [denise@teachers-center.org] [erica@teachers-center.org] [maryann@teachers-center.org]
FEE: None. Registration is required.
CTLE HOURS: 15
REGISTRATION: https://tinyurl.com/9fkj2ny3