Join colleagues from around the country to engage in hands-on workshops, visit private and public forest school programs, and interact with local forest school founders and teachers. Come experience sweet communion amidst stunning fall scenery, at our main site—the historic Pot Point Cabin, a 190-year old log home set in the spectacular Tennessee River Gorge, on the banks of the Tennessee River, with adjoining trails into Prentice Cooper State Park. Dr. Jean Lomino, Founder and Director of Forest School Teacher Institute, will lead this event. 

October 15–17

Participants will gain FS skills, knowledge and inspiration by learning about:

• place-based education;
• observation and assessment strategies;
• child-directed emergent curriculum;
• practicing mindfulness;
• nature journaling;
• risk-taking; and
• art and music.

October 18

Participants may earn an additional certification in Level I Forest School Naturalist, with 8 hours of training including:

• principles of ecology;
• developing observation skills; and
• special focus on learning field identification of birds.

Lead naturalists are Dr. Carl Swafford, founder of the MSED in Outdoor Education Program and Corey Hagen, former Director of Education and Director of Operations at Reflection Riding.

PARTICIPANT BENEFITS:

• introduction to Forest School online course FREE with this registration; should be completed before the October training
• receive a FSTI Certificate of Completion for 32 hours of FS Teacher Training
• receive a FSTI Naturalist Level 1 Certificate for 8 hours of Naturalist Training
• network and gain inspiration with attendees from around the US and beyond
• gain the many personal benefits of time spent in nature

TUITION

• Teacher Certification only, October 15–17: $750
• FS Naturalist Level 1 Certification only,  October 18: $150
• Both Teacher and Naturalist Certifications, October 15–18: $850