Ongoing Professional Development Opportunities

The following courses and workshops for nature-based early learning professionals are offered throughout the year. Do you have one to add to the list? Email us the information at [email protected].

Nature Lab Workshop

Offered by April Maura Robert of Little Leaders 

Target Audience: Parents, educators, and nature enthusiasts

Description: If you share the passion for nurturing a profound connection between children and the natural world, the Nature Lab Workshop is tailor-made for you. Whether you're a dedicated forest school educator, a homeschooling parent, or someone who simply believes in the magic of outdoor learning, this workshop is designed to empower and support your journey.

Benefits: The Nature Lab is more than just a workshop; it's a haven for like-minded individuals who share the vision of nurturing young minds and fostering a lifelong appreciation for Mother Nature. Here, we come together to explore, learn, and inspire. With a range of valuable content and resources, you'll find everything you need to create meaningful nature-based learning experiences.

Forest School Teacher Institute

• How do I expand my forest school program to older children?
• What are the best ways to document and present the benefits of FS for parents, donors and community?
• How can FS be integrated into a public school setting?
• How can I build greater awareness of forest school in my community?
• What site or program enhancements could I add to my forest school?
• Should I consider expanding the reach of my forest school with multiple locations?
• What are the pros and cons of using sites on public land, private land?

If these are some of the questions you have been asking, consider joining Dr. Jean Lomino for a two-day immersive Forest School Studio Session in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Explorations and conversations highlight these personal and transformative experiences all set in the place where Jean started her own forest school journey. As you walk the scenic acres of Lookout Lake, where Wauhatchie School was born, she will share the story about how this little school influenced nature-based learning throughout the Chattanooga area and beyond. You will gain inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose visiting public and private Forest Preschools, Kindergartens and programs for older students along with meeting school founders, principals and teachers.

Applications and more information are available at https://www.forestteacher.org/press. 

Mass Audubon - Natural Connections for Early Educators

These workshops are held online throughout the country and can take place safely in-person.

Mass Audubon educators will teach you how to make the outdoors into a relaxed and safe classroom. When you shift teaching your curriculum outside, you and your students can take advantage of the calming effects of nature, better air flow, and increased spacing for social distancing. Explore a variety of workshop options and book the workshop(s) that best fit your needs. 

Samara Early Learning Workshops for Administrators & Teachers

Educator Course with The Tea Project: Mindfulness Practices to Enhance Science Observation Skills

This semester-long course is held online throughout the country and can take place safely in-person.

Nature Educator and Mindfulness Expert, Angie Barger, guides a semester-long journey of experience and curriculum for PreK-8th grade teachers. Develop a sustainable school herb garden from seed and establish mindfulness practices within the daily classroom routines, using the herbs you cultivate and wild craft. Small class sizes create opportunity for individualized instruction so students can craft the curriculum to meet their school's specific needs.

"This class was a lifeline for me this year when I was feeling very discouraged about school and my own mental health at that time. Growing seedlings in the deep of winter brought me a lot of joy. I loved the herbalism element of this class. Appreciating weeds, bridging so many of the things that I thought were very disparate passions. It's been awesome." RS, Student, 2021 Mindfulness Practices to Enhance Observation Skills

Project Learning Tree Early Childhood Workshops

Held throughout the country. Search webpage by state and by type (Early Childhood).

Project Learning Tree educator workshops are open to anyone, held at convenient times, and are offered for free or at a nominal charge. These workshops are designed to help you learn how to incorporate PLT activities into your current and future programming; meet other local professionals interested or already involved in environmental education; become part of a network that offers you follow-up resources and opportunities, and learn about environmental education.
 

Nebraska Growing Up WILD Workshops

Held throughout Nebraska for early childhood educators.  Scroll down and search for Growing Up WILD.

Growing Up WILD is an early childhood education program that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. During the training workshop participants will sample activities and receive a curriculum and activity guide. 

​Illinois Project Learning Tree Early Childhood Workshops

Held throughout Illinois for early childhood educators.

Illinois Growing Up WILD Early Childhood Workshops

Held throughout Illinois for early childhood educators.

Growing Up WILD is an early childhood education program that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. During the training workshop participants will sample activities and receive a curriculum and activity guide.