Trending News:President Trump and the Department of EducationRenewing your Professional Educator Certification – PennsylvaniaIncorporating Black History Month in Your Classroom: Resources Included!Renewing your Standard Teaching Certificate – New YorkHow to Practice Equitable Empathy: What White Faculty Should–and Shouldn’t–Do – Faculty FocusNational School Counseling Week 2025Effective Strategies for Sustaining Student Attention during PowerPoint Lectures – Faculty Focus“How Are You Doing Today?” A Survey for Starting Each Class – Faculty FocusRenewing your Teacher Professional Educator License – IllinoisCollaborate and celebrate at TCEA 2025Five-Minute Starts: Fifteen Ideas to Ignite Your Class – Faculty FocusWhen AI whispers in students’ earsTeaching: A Job with Real MeaningDismantling the U.S. Department of Education‘Pathway to Prosperity’ initiative shows the power of partnerships in driving student successA Wicked Perspective: Faculty and Leadership in Academia – Faculty FocusRenewing your Standard Teaching Certificate – TexasDirect and Indirect Assessment Measures of Student Learning in Higher Education – Faculty Focus10 ways to provide instant feedback to studentsPreparing for evolving ransomware threats in 2025Assume the Best: Trust-Based Strategies for Empowering College Students – Faculty FocusWhy Data Alone Won’t Improve Retention – Faculty FocusHow AI Has Gone To The DogsBeing Genuine in the Classroom – Faculty FocusThe State of STEMBreaking Classroom Barriers with Advanced AVThe Rise of the Heretical LeaderDays of Service for MLK DayEm-pathy, not un-pathy, in school leadershipUsing Generative AI to “Hack Time” for Implementing Real-World Projects – Faculty FocusShow Floor News—The Imagine Learning SolutionBeyond the Classroom: Establishing Partnerships for Real-World Learning and Student Success – Faculty FocusThe Importance of Goal SettingFour Powerful Practices to Promote Student Success – Faculty FocusFour Powerful Practices to Promote Student Success – Faculty FocusNew Collection of Free Environmental Education Resources Encourages Students and Teachers to Explore the WorldIncident IQ Welcomes Tech Innovator Bill Loller as Chief Product OfficerIndispensable Instructional Designers at Professional Schools – Faculty FocusIndispensable Instructional Designers at Professional Schools – Faculty FocusStaying Healthy when Teaching – American Board Blog21 priorities for student success and learning in 2025Start Fresh this New YearA free mental health navigator targets student well-beingDistricts put DEI into actionTeachers: Make the Most of Your Holiday BreakTutor Doctor Becomes First Global Tutoring Franchise to Partner with MindPrint LearningMaximizing the Holiday Season with Online Teacher TrainingEmbracing the Silence – Faculty FocusTexas State Board of Education Names Just Right Reader’s English and Spanish Literacy Resources as Approved Instructional MaterialsWant to improve STEM education? Here’s howCreating a Course Calendar that Aligns to the Rhythms of the Semester – Faculty FocusCreating a Course Calendar that Aligns to the Rhythms of the Semester – Faculty FocusFETC 2025: Good to Know Before You GoA look at one school’s innovative approach to PDCommon Sense Media, OpenAI launch free K-12 AI training courseThe Online Classroom: Trust, Explore, Engage – Faculty FocusFostering Teamwork: Implementing Collaborative Assignments as High-Impact Practice – Faculty FocusSlooh’s New Earth Science Curriculum Offers Standards-Aligned Learning Activities Utilizing Orbital Satellite FeedsEnhancing Access, Engagement, and Inclusion in Online Education – Faculty FocusSpotify Wrapped-style learning: Free template + class activitiesChristmas Art Activities for Elementary StudentsRemote learning hurt high school grad rates–ditching exit exams helpedTypes of Outdoor Education You Can Plan For Your ClassroomUsing the Power of E-Portfolios to Enhance Student EngagementOtus Announces Partnership with FIRST Educational Resources to Strengthen K-12 Support and Insights NationwideEnhancing Critical Thinking with the CAT Test: Check, Ask, ThinkFlywire and Blackbaud Partner to Streamline Tuition Payment Experience for International K-12 Students in the U.S.Using robots to teach creativity, collaboration, and self-confidenceThe Appreciative Close: A Strategy for Creating a Classroom Community – Faculty FocusThe Appreciative Close: A Strategy for Creating a Classroom Community – Faculty Focus6 AI-powered Google tools for the classroomSchools and Districts Nationwide Partner with TinkRworks to Engage Students in STEAM Project-Based LearningTeaching Students, Not Subjects – Faculty FocusTech-Giving: 10 interactive Thanksgiving activities for the classroomTrump picks Linda McMahon to lead, and possibly dismantle, Education DepartmentThe Impact of Non-Evaluative Feedback and Mindfulness in Writing – Faculty FocusThe Impact of Non-Evaluative Feedback and Mindfulness in Writing – Faculty FocusIllustration, Comic & Animation App Clip Studio Paint Named Best for Large Screens by Google PlayThe Things I Did Badly: Looking Back on My First Five Years of Teaching – Faculty FocusThe Things I Did Badly: Looking Back on My First Five Years of Teaching – Faculty FocusHelping Veterans Become Teachers – American Board Blog5 ways we used our literacy platforms to engage students24 ideas for creating a discussion-rich classroomThe Role of Writing in Communicative Language Teaching: An Investigation of an AI-Integrated Classroom Activity – Faculty Focus95 Percent Group Grows Continuum of Science of Reading Professional Learning With Launch of 95 Foundational Tools for Paraprofessionals, Tutors, and School Staff Federal toolkit targets safe, ethical AI use in classroomsData gaps negatively impact academic progress and attendanceTrump’s Plans for Education – American Board BlogUsing Responses to Likert-Type Items in Qualitative Research – Faculty FocusPlayworks Launches SparkPlayE-rate funding supports essential learning at a critical time, survey findsRedefining Assessment: Empowering Students through a Blended Approach – Faculty FocusPerformative Personae? Finding Vulnerability via the Virtual, Authenticity after the Augmented – Faculty FocusProtecting kids from unhealthy AI relationshipsAmerican teens awash in conspiracy theories, cynical about news media10 fun, techy Halloween classroom ideasCan VR help multilingual students better grasp science concepts?Teaching Leadership Styles through Superheroes: A Creative Business Assignment – Faculty FocusTeaching Leadership Styles through Superheroes: A Creative Business Assignment – Faculty FocusTransform any online resource into interactive learning with Brisk Boost
Trending News:President Trump and the Department of EducationRenewing your Professional Educator Certification – PennsylvaniaIncorporating Black History Month in Your Classroom: Resources Included!Renewing your Standard Teaching Certificate – New YorkHow to Practice Equitable Empathy: What White Faculty Should–and Shouldn’t–Do – Faculty FocusNational School Counseling Week 2025Effective Strategies for Sustaining Student Attention during PowerPoint Lectures – Faculty Focus“How Are You Doing Today?” A Survey for Starting Each Class – Faculty FocusRenewing your Teacher Professional Educator License – IllinoisCollaborate and celebrate at TCEA 2025Five-Minute Starts: Fifteen Ideas to Ignite Your Class – Faculty FocusWhen AI whispers in students’ earsTeaching: A Job with Real MeaningDismantling the U.S. Department of Education‘Pathway to Prosperity’ initiative shows the power of partnerships in driving student successA Wicked Perspective: Faculty and Leadership in Academia – Faculty FocusRenewing your Standard Teaching Certificate – TexasDirect and Indirect Assessment Measures of Student Learning in Higher Education – Faculty Focus10 ways to provide instant feedback to studentsPreparing for evolving ransomware threats in 2025Assume the Best: Trust-Based Strategies for Empowering College Students – Faculty FocusWhy Data Alone Won’t Improve Retention – Faculty FocusHow AI Has Gone To The DogsBeing Genuine in the Classroom – Faculty FocusThe State of STEMBreaking Classroom Barriers with Advanced AVThe Rise of the Heretical LeaderDays of Service for MLK DayEm-pathy, not un-pathy, in school leadershipUsing Generative AI to “Hack Time” for Implementing Real-World Projects – Faculty FocusShow Floor News—The Imagine Learning SolutionBeyond the Classroom: Establishing Partnerships for Real-World Learning and Student Success – Faculty FocusThe Importance of Goal SettingFour Powerful Practices to Promote Student Success – Faculty FocusFour Powerful Practices to Promote Student Success – Faculty FocusNew Collection of Free Environmental Education Resources Encourages Students and Teachers to Explore the WorldIncident IQ Welcomes Tech Innovator Bill Loller as Chief Product OfficerIndispensable Instructional Designers at Professional Schools – Faculty FocusIndispensable Instructional Designers at Professional Schools – Faculty FocusStaying Healthy when Teaching – American Board Blog21 priorities for student success and learning in 2025Start Fresh this New YearA free mental health navigator targets student well-beingDistricts put DEI into actionTeachers: Make the Most of Your Holiday BreakTutor Doctor Becomes First Global Tutoring Franchise to Partner with MindPrint LearningMaximizing the Holiday Season with Online Teacher TrainingEmbracing the Silence – Faculty FocusTexas State Board of Education Names Just Right Reader’s English and Spanish Literacy Resources as Approved Instructional MaterialsWant to improve STEM education? Here’s howCreating a Course Calendar that Aligns to the Rhythms of the Semester – Faculty FocusCreating a Course Calendar that Aligns to the Rhythms of the Semester – Faculty FocusFETC 2025: Good to Know Before You GoA look at one school’s innovative approach to PDCommon Sense Media, OpenAI launch free K-12 AI training courseThe Online Classroom: Trust, Explore, Engage – Faculty FocusFostering Teamwork: Implementing Collaborative Assignments as High-Impact Practice – Faculty FocusSlooh’s New Earth Science Curriculum Offers Standards-Aligned Learning Activities Utilizing Orbital Satellite FeedsEnhancing Access, Engagement, and Inclusion in Online Education – Faculty FocusSpotify Wrapped-style learning: Free template + class activitiesChristmas Art Activities for Elementary StudentsRemote learning hurt high school grad rates–ditching exit exams helpedTypes of Outdoor Education You Can Plan For Your ClassroomUsing the Power of E-Portfolios to Enhance Student EngagementOtus Announces Partnership with FIRST Educational Resources to Strengthen K-12 Support and Insights NationwideEnhancing Critical Thinking with the CAT Test: Check, Ask, ThinkFlywire and Blackbaud Partner to Streamline Tuition Payment Experience for International K-12 Students in the U.S.Using robots to teach creativity, collaboration, and self-confidenceThe Appreciative Close: A Strategy for Creating a Classroom Community – Faculty FocusThe Appreciative Close: A Strategy for Creating a Classroom Community – Faculty Focus6 AI-powered Google tools for the classroomSchools and Districts Nationwide Partner with TinkRworks to Engage Students in STEAM Project-Based LearningTeaching Students, Not Subjects – Faculty FocusTech-Giving: 10 interactive Thanksgiving activities for the classroomTrump picks Linda McMahon to lead, and possibly dismantle, Education DepartmentThe Impact of Non-Evaluative Feedback and Mindfulness in Writing – Faculty FocusThe Impact of Non-Evaluative Feedback and Mindfulness in Writing – Faculty FocusIllustration, Comic & Animation App Clip Studio Paint Named Best for Large Screens by Google PlayThe Things I Did Badly: Looking Back on My First Five Years of Teaching – Faculty FocusThe Things I Did Badly: Looking Back on My First Five Years of Teaching – Faculty FocusHelping Veterans Become Teachers – American Board Blog5 ways we used our literacy platforms to engage students24 ideas for creating a discussion-rich classroomThe Role of Writing in Communicative Language Teaching: An Investigation of an AI-Integrated Classroom Activity – Faculty Focus95 Percent Group Grows Continuum of Science of Reading Professional Learning With Launch of 95 Foundational Tools for Paraprofessionals, Tutors, and School Staff Federal toolkit targets safe, ethical AI use in classroomsData gaps negatively impact academic progress and attendanceTrump’s Plans for Education – American Board BlogUsing Responses to Likert-Type Items in Qualitative Research – Faculty FocusPlayworks Launches SparkPlayE-rate funding supports essential learning at a critical time, survey findsRedefining Assessment: Empowering Students through a Blended Approach – Faculty FocusPerformative Personae? Finding Vulnerability via the Virtual, Authenticity after the Augmented – Faculty FocusProtecting kids from unhealthy AI relationshipsAmerican teens awash in conspiracy theories, cynical about news media10 fun, techy Halloween classroom ideasCan VR help multilingual students better grasp science concepts?Teaching Leadership Styles through Superheroes: A Creative Business Assignment – Faculty FocusTeaching Leadership Styles through Superheroes: A Creative Business Assignment – Faculty FocusTransform any online resource into interactive learning with Brisk Boost
Curricular lessons are regular classes held outdoors. Curricular outdoor lessons have been implemented in various ways and still fall under the umbrella of outdoor education. Curricular lessons can be as simple as moving your regular class outdoors under the trees or in the garden and teaching exactly as you would inside the classroom. It can be more complex than that, too. These lessons can also include hands-on activities that utilize the natural world within lessons designed specifically for the outdoors. It can include inquiry-based lessons or other project-focused activities that combine nature with your lesson planning. Curricular lessons may be the easiest for you to implement in your outdoor education plan because you can choose to utilize the exact same lesson outdoors or modify it based on your lesson purpose and goals.
For example: Conduct a chalkboard lecture outside. Allow students to sit among the trees, garden, or another natural place on your school campus and simply conduct a lesson and student discussions outside, for minimal preparation time for you but more engagement for your students!
Adventure Education
Adventure education involves structured activities that mentally and physically challenge individuals. These activities have a wide range, including rock climbing, hiking, obstacle courses, geocaching, survival training, and orienteering, among many others. These kinds of adventure-focused activities allow for self-reliance, personal growth, and problem-solving and involve many skills and activities that are becoming less common with the growth of urbanization and less need for making use of the outdoors. Adventure education aims to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment through overcoming outdoor challenges. While an activity like rock climbing or hiking may not be an easy implementation into your regular classroom plan, the spirit of adventure education lines in challenges that promote personal growth. Teaching navigation through orienteering can be implemented easily on school grounds. Obstacle courses can be easily designed on-site. Even activities like camping, hiking, or rock climbing, while not easily implemented on school grounds, can be organized via field trips.
For example: Build a natural scavenger hunt to help students learn complex vocabulary in your content area lessons. Require students to complete a short vocabulary lesson at each “station” before selecting a clue for their next location.
Environmental Education
This is an outdoor learning approach specific to helping foster a connection to nature and a sense of responsibility for preserving the environment. This type of outdoor education focuses primarily on learning about the environment, like understanding natural ecosystems, biodiversity, water cycles, or conservation efforts. Activities vary from conducting field investigations or conservation projects. They can be integrated as part of a larger project combining many content areas or as a standalone lesson specific to environmentalism.
For example: Conduct a writing assignment outside, where the writing prompt is to write a persuasive essay about saving an ecosystem in their community. Allow students to spend time outdoors and reflect on how they can describe nature accurately and persuasively in their essays.
School Gardens
While seemingly unfocused on the term education or lessons itself, school gardens are commonly cited as a type of outdoor education with many benefits. School gardens are spaces designed by the school and cared for and maintained by students- growing fruits and vegetables or other plants. School gardens, while not explicitly aligned with the curriculum, can be integrated into a project-based learning plan, merging science, math, and reading and writing concepts. The design, building, care, and maintenance of a school garden have many benefits, including fostering teamwork and responsibility, environmental stewardship, and hands-on learning of where food comes from.
For example: Use the school garden to study plant biology, learn about photosynthesis, the parts of a plant, and more.
Field Trips
Field trips that encompass most of an outdoor learning experience can also be considered outdoor learning. Of course, it may not be possible for you to choose your own field trips within your school. But if you can, you could consider an outdoor learning experience for a potential future field trip. These field trips can and should still be tied in some way to your classroom or curriculum, and to be considered outdoor education, they must utilize nature or the majority of the activities outdoors. You could even combine some other outdoor education types, like adventure education, as the specific focus for your field trips.
For example: Plan a field trip to a state, national, or local park to study the ecosystems, wildlife, or geological rock formations. Align it with a history, science, or other lesson.
These five types of outdoor education are only a starting point for you to begin exploring engaging ways for students to interact with your lesson content through nature. For a better understanding of the benefits of outdoor education and for specific strategies and examples to consider, you can register for our Outdoor Learning Quick Course here: Outdoor Education: Learning Beyond the Classroom Walls
In a significant policy shift, President Trump has initiated plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED). This plan aims to decentralize educational control to individual states. The move…
Renewing your Professional Educator Certification – Pennsylvania
What you need: You can renew in a few ways: earning six-semester credits of collegiate study, six CPE credits of PDE (Pennsylvania Department of Education)-approved continuing professional education courses, or…