For Early Childhood Educators

At Schlitz Audubon, we believe it is important to share our knowledge with other educators and give them an opportunity to advance their skills and information about nature-based education. For that reason, we host conferences, teacher training sessions, and visiting educators.

Professional Development Workshops

Nature-based education has seen a dramatic increase in the last few years, from creating nature-infused classrooms to hiking outdoors with students of all ages. But adding nature into an existing classroom in a way that is thoughtful and intentional, and knowing how to lead outdoor programs that integrate math, literacy, science and play, can be challenging.

Our professional development workshops were created by teachers, for teachers, with a focus on the practical, affordable, tried and tested methods we have developed over the past fifteen years.

If you are interested in bringing a group of educators to the Center, or if you would be interested in having us come to you, please contact Schlitz Audubon Nature Center Preschool Director, Catherine Koons Hubbard at ckoons-hubbard@schlitzaudubon.org or 414-352-2880 x153. Let us know if you are looking for a particular topic not listed below!

Bringing the Outdoors In: Tips for Bringing More Nature into Your Existing Classroom

This 2-hour workshop explores the benefits of infusing more nature into your classroom and provides a range of tips and ideas on how to introduce nature into your current space in a way that is safe, child-centered, and affordable. The workshop includes a detailed tour of our three nature-based preschool classrooms at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, as well as time for discussion and questions with our teachers and staff. The workshop can also come to your center, in which case the length will be shortened to 1 hour.
On-site 2-hour program | $30 per participant
Off-site 1-hour program | $20 per participant

Natural Play Spaces: The benefits and risks of Playing in Nature

This 1.5-hour workshop discusses how educators can build nature exploration and play into children’s outdoor learning experiences and includes a tour of our three outdoor classrooms, designed for children ages 3-5. This program can also come to you, in which case it will be shortened to 1 hour.
On-site 1.5-hour program | $25 per participant
Off-site 1-hour program | $20 per participant

On the Trails: Tips, Challenges, and Solutions to Exploring Outdoors with Children

This 3-hour workshop is ideal for teachers and parents looking to take children on nature-based hikes, either on school grounds, at nearby parks, or even further afield. It includes some of our tried and tested approaches for leading successful hikes with young children, safety tips, games, art, math, and science activities, and concludes with a hike along the trails at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.
On-site 3-hour program | $40 per participant
Off-site 1.5-hour program | $25 per participant

Student Teaching

Schlitz Audubon welcomes the opportunity to work with student teachers.

Internships

An internship with the Preschool offers an opportunity for students to gain practical, hands-on experience teaching young children, while learning from experts in the field of environmental education. This is a challenging, but highly-rewarding experience for someone considering a career in early childhood education and/or environmental education. For current internship opportunities, visit the Careers & Internships page.