Learn all about outdoor education at Illinois’ biggest Forest School. Immerse yourself in the Forest School Teacher Training Program, hosted on a picturesque 50-acre private preserve in Chicago's southwest suburbs. This comprehensive training is designed for anybody passionate about nature-based learning, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge, practical application, and reflective practice. Participants will have the unique opportunity to observe Forest School programs in action, gaining real-world insights into effective teaching strategies and student engagement as they discover the key features of forest school.

Program Benefits

• Gain practical skills and knowledge to lead effective forest school sessions.

• Develop a deep understanding of nature-based education principles.

• Learn to create inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments.

• Enhance your ability to observe, assess, and support children's learning.

• Connect with a supportive community of educators and nature enthusiasts.

The following classes will be covered during training:

1. Forest School Observation and Assessment Strategies- Learn how to observe and assess children's learning and development in a forest school setting. This module covers various observational techniques, documentation methods, and assessment strategies that are aligned with the principles of forest education.  

2. Developing Rhythms, Rituals, and Mindfulness- Discover the importance of establishing rhythms and rituals to create a structured yet flexible learning environment. This module also delves into mindfulness practices that help students become more present and connected to their surroundings. 

3. Integrating Cultural Themes and Activities- Explore ways to incorporate diverse cultural themes and activities into forest school curricula. Participants will learn how to celebrate cultural diversity, promote inclusivity, and enrich the learning experience through culturally relevant activities and storytelling.

4. Naturalist Studies- Deepen your understanding of local flora and fauna through comprehensive naturalist studies. This class provides foundational knowledge in ecology, plant and animal identification, and environmental stewardship, empowering teachers to guide students in nature exploration.

5. Developing Emergent Learning Frameworks- (Preschool - 3rd Grade) Tailored for educators working with younger children, this class focuses on creating emergent learning frameworks that encourage curiosity and discovery. Learn how to design child-led activities that align with early childhood developmental stages.

7. Developing Emergent Learning Frameworks- (Grades 4 - 8) Expand your expertise to cater to older children by developing emergent learning frameworks suitable for grades 4 to 8. This class emphasizes fostering independence, critical thinking, and collaborative learning in a forest setting.

7. Lab: Nature Journaling- Engage in hands-on practice with nature journaling, a powerful tool for enhancing observation skills and reflective learning. Participants will create their own nature journals and learn how to guide students in documenting their outdoor experiences creatively.

8. Seminar: Course Synthesis Presentations-The training will conclude with an opportunity for participants to present their learnings and insights. This collaborative session allows for the sharing of experiences, reflection on personal growth, and synthesis of the program's key concepts.

$900* total for the introductory course and our 3-day teacher training certification. Because it is a prerequisite, the cost for the online introductory course is included in the cost of our in-person training.

*Please note there is a 3% credit card processing fee

Our next in-person training will take place In person: 8:30AM-4:30PM June 9-11 or August 4-6

In summer, our intensive is 3 consecutive days long, but during the school year, we have our intensive on two set Saturdays, with time in-between to get your observation hours on your own time during the school week between the training dates.

Since June of 2016, the Forest School Teacher Institute (FSTI) online and in-person certification courses have provided guidance and inspiration nearly 1,000 educators (homeschools, public and private schools, nature-based programs) in 44 states and ten countries. 

FSTI training and certification is endorsed by the MSED in Outdoor Teacher Education at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee.

Based in Chattanooga, TN, The Forest School Teacher Institute was founded by Dr. Jean Lomino.

Free Haven offers in-person training in collaboration with the Forest School Teacher Institute. As an affiliate training facility, you can now get Forest School teacher training in the Chicagoland area. 

The Teacher Training course is 30 credit hours, or 36 credit hours when combined with the intro course.

FSTI training and certification is endorsed by the MSED in Outdoor Teacher Education at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee.

A prerequisite to Forest School Teacher certification is the online “Introduction to Forest School” course of study, presented by the Forest School Teacher Institute. The introductory course can be taken online in 3 live zoom sessions before or after the in-person teacher training.

When you book our in-person training, be sure to book the intro course through FSTI, too! When you enroll on their website, just let them know you're registered for our course and payment will be waived. You can register for the intro course at this link: https://www.forestteacher.org/course%20descriptions

This training will take place at Free Haven Forest School's 50 acre private preserve in Mokena, IL. Conveniently located in Chicago's southwest suburbs right off of I-80 and I-355. Close to Orland Park and Joliet and 2.5 miles from the Metra.

• Location: Enjoy a serene and inspiring learning environment on a 50-acre private preserve in Chicago's southwest suburbs featuring forest, prairie meadow, wetland, and 2 creeks.

• Hands-On Observations: Gain practical insights by observing established Forest School programs in action.

• Expert Instructors: Learn from seasoned forest school educators and naturalists who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge.

• Community of Practice: Connect with a network of like-minded educators dedicated to fostering nature-connected learning.

Completing the forest school teacher certification program at our facility does not guarantee employment at our forest school. While we are thrilled to offer this training to the public and equip participants with valuable skills and knowledge, our hiring process is separate and distinct from the training program. Any opportunities for employment will be advertised separately, and candidates must apply and go through our standard hiring procedures.