Professional Development

Do you want professional training in nature-based early childhood education, early childhood environmental education, forest school teaching, or related disciplines? There are a variety of opportunities, from bachelors degrees to university certificate programs, certifications offered by organizations, and shorter-term workshops, institutes, and courses.

Do you have a training opportunity to share with the community? Use the link to the right to submit it!

 

Bachelors Degrees, University Certificates, and Certification Programs

 

Ongoing Workshops

 

Upcoming Workshops

2024

October

Naturally Inclusive – Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors Fall Course

October 21, 2024 to November 18, 2024
Drawing on her knowledge of research and her decades of work with children in nature, join Ruth as she weaves together advice, real-life examples, and testimonies from educators and families on the healing, nurturing power of nature in the lives of young children with diverse abilities. Joining us too is Karen Lai, Accessibility and Inclusion Specialist who will share expertise and her lived experience perspective on what it means to truly offer inclusive programming.

November

Native American Heritage Month (November)

November 1, 2024 to November 30, 2024
In honor of Native American Heritage Month (November) we would like to recommend these excellent Indigenous learning resources & opportunities: https://outdoorlearning.com/indigenous-resources-usa These are all made available on the recommendation of Indigenous staff, advisors and partners, and are all written, created, developed and offered by Indigenous authors, educators and artists, and offered in partnership with a variety of Indigenous publishers, partners and organizations.

Whispers of the Earth: A Journey through Indigenous Wisdom – Virtual Book Launch!

November 19, 2024
Sign-up to join us for this short and sweet 30 minute book launch to meet the authors, Launa Purcell and Carl Sam, and listen to the Whispers of the Earth. Experience learning from many of our other relatives and experiencing Indigenous language and wisdom as you journey through this beautiful book. Launa is a member of the Xa’xtsa First Nation and a mother of two. She works as an Indigenous Educator and teaches Indigenous outdoor camps. Carl Sam is “Ha7li” of the Bear Clan from Skookumchuck, part of St’at’icmulh Nation, sometimes referred to as the Interior Salish. There will be an opportunity for short Q...

Sitting With Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots – Virtual Book Launch!

November 26, 2024
Sign-up to join us for this short and sweet 30 minute book launch to meet the author and listen to an excerpt from Lauren MacLean’s new exciting book ‘Sitting With Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots‘. Building on her popular work around sit spots this resource will really help you to develop your sit spot practice, that offers cross curricular and personal development learning each and every time. There will be an opportunity for short Q&A with the author as time allows.
2025

January

Braiding Sweetgrass for Educators

January 8, 2025 to January 29, 2025
Braiding Sweetgrass for Educators Course (4 x 60 min sessions) Join us for these four engaging and insightful online sessions which will unpack the essential elements of Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults. This will be facilitated by award-winning and best-selling Indigenous author, Monique Gray Smith, who adapted Robin Wall Kimmerer’s New York Times Best selling book, Braiding Sweetgrass for a new generation of readers. She is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience. Monique will taking you on a learning journey, exploring the 6 sections of the book and the chapters within each of them, including key content for classroom and school use. Dates and Times: Wednesday, Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 –...

Exploring the Languages of Snow and Ice

January 11, 2025
1715 Charlton Street
West St Paul, MN 55118
 As winter transforms our landscape, secrets are revealed and the blank canvas of snow and ice lends itself to fantasy and imagination.​ We will explore the unique and wonderful possibilities of working with snow and ice. Learn practical tips on how to work with these materials alongside young learners and practice yourself! Event will be led by nature preschool teachers at Dodge Nature Preschool as part of the Reggio-Inspired Network of Minnesota's Saturday Gathering Series. A tour of Dodge Nature Preschool will follow the discussion.

March

Forest School Teacher Training with ETSU

March 24, 2025 to March 26, 2025
201 Methodist Camp Road
Jonesborough, TN 37659
 Third Annual Forest School Teacher Training | Forest School Teacher Institute in Partnership with The Department Of Early Childhood Education - East Tennessee University Join Dr. Jean Lomino, Founder and Director of Forest School Teacher Institute along with ETSU professors of Early Childhood Education, Dr. Jane Broderick and Dr. Pam Evanshen at The Camp at Buffalo Mountain for three days of sweet communion with like-minded people, learning together how to engage with children in a forest school. The Camp at Buffalo Mountain is tucked into a scenic valley in the Cherokee National Forest. You can explore miles of trails, a cascading mountain creek, and a reflecting pond set among the gifts of an Appalachian Spring. Participants will...