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TEACHER Training & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

We offer extensive training to support educators at any career stage. Whether you are new to nature-based learning or a seasoned educator - or if you need guidance starting your own nature program - ERAFANS can help.

Outdoor Teacher Retreats 
Topics are carefully selected based on request
s from ERAFANS members in a given region or state. Each retreat provides professional development on best practices in early childhood environmental education. There is a balance of sessions with at least 50% of them that take place outside. We incorporate opportunities for participants to network, reflect, and re-energize as they dig into exciting topics that are relevant to nature-based programs. Want to bring an Outdoor Teacher Retreat to your region? Contact us to learn about hosting a retreat.

Nature-Based Teacher Certification
These 36 clock-hour courses are offered as Level 1 (intro), Level 2 (intermediate), and Level 3 (capstone) experiences to deepen your practice as a nature-based educator or childcare provider.

Online Learning
We know you don't want to be behind the screen, but don't worry - our online formats beckon you back outside! Online training formats include webinars and webinar series, nature e-courses and our own hybrid field courses.

Custom Professional Development
Do you have a training topic in mind but haven’t come across anything that meets your needs? Our trainers will develop a specialized training experience for your team and facilitate it at your school or center. View sample training topics here. We have a comprehensive list of training descriptions to meet your training needs.

Nature Play Spaces
If you want to transform an existing outdoor playground into a natural play space, we can get your project moving in the right direction.  Informative and highly empowering, ERAFANS consulting helps schools harness their resources to make natural play spaces a reality. This is ideal for programs who have limited access to wild spaces (like forest, meadow, or park), as well as programs that want to transform an urban outdoor space into a natural oasis. 

Collaborative Training
We can help you partner with another ERAFANS member running a local nature preschool or forest kindergarten for a combined training experience. This is a fantastic way to share and learn from others in the field.

Have more questions? You can learn more about our refund policies here or contact Mary Meyer, Director of Professional Development, for more information. We look forward to learning with you!
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