Forest School Teacher Training
Join the Forest School Teacher Institute (FSTI) and the Department of Early Childhood Education at East Tennessee State University for a three-day professional training in forest school and nature-based education. This immersive training takes place in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and provides educators with practical experience in outdoor learning environments.
Working alongside a cohort of like-minded educators, participants will develop the skills and knowledge needed to engage children in forest school and nature-based learning settings. The training includes site visits and learning experiences at Seedkeepers Forest School and Fauna Forest Farm, where participants will observe and reflect on outdoor education practices with children from preschool through middle school.
Participants who complete the training will earn a Forest School Teacher Certificate of Completion.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN
Participants will gain practical forest school teaching skills, including:
- observing children in outdoor learning environments and learning best practices for documentation and assessment;
- understanding child-directed emergent learning and developing seasonal learning frameworks;
- exploring the principles of place-based education and how to integrate culture and heritage into forest school programming;
- developing naturalist skills that help educators share the wonders of nature with children and deepen their own connection to the natural world; and
- practicing mindfulness and nature journaling and learning how these tools support children’s focus, observation, and reflection.
Participants will engage directly with forest school programs at:
OPTIONAL FOURTH DAY TRAINING—APRIL 2, 2026
Participants may enroll in an additional one-day certificate training.
Bush Crafting Skills for Forest School Teachers
Learn foundational outdoor skills including fire building, shelter construction, and foraging.
Location: Fauna Forest Farm
Facilitator: Taylor Malone
Forest Preschool Site Development and Curriculum Design
Explore how to develop and design forest preschool programs, including site planning and curriculum structure.
Location: Ballad Early Learning Center
Facilitators: Jean Lomino and Ballad Preschool staff
TRAINING DETAILS
Dates: March 30–April 1, 2026
Location:
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee
Additional training sites include Seedkeepers Forest School and Fauna Forest Farm.
TUITION
Three-Day Forest School Teacher Course of Study: $595
Optional Fourth Day Certificate Training: $150
Limited discounts are available for currently enrolled East Tennessee State University undergraduate and graduate students.
Participants may also inquire about undergraduate or graduate credit through East Tennessee State University.
ORGANIZER
Forest School Teacher Institute
Founder and Director: Dr. Jean Lomino
In partnership with the Department of Early Childhood Education at East Tennessee State University.
More information and registration available at the Forest School Teacher Institute website.