Nature grounds us, inspires us, and renews our spirit. A stunning sunset, the vastness of a canyon, the gentle rustle of leaves in a forest – these moments of awe open our minds and hearts. They calm our stressed psyches and invite us into a space of creativity and possibility. When we pause in nature, we unlock the potential to reimagine our work, our teaching, and ourselves.

Join the IFSEL Team for a transformative workshop day at Timberlake Earth Sanctuary, just outside Greensboro, NC. Here, cedar and pine forests frame four miles of serene trails and open meadows, setting the stage for a day of deep personal renewal and inspiration for your social and emotional learning (SEL) practice.

Why Nature?

Nature is one of IFSEL's Ten Educator Practices because it has the power to profoundly impact our teaching and learning. In this workshop, discover how insights from the natural world can play a leading role in your school environment.

Who Should Attend?:

This workshop is for every educator, whether you work in a rural or urban setting. We'll explore creative approaches for classroom meetings, advisories, school-wide systems, and culturally responsive curricula. You'll leave with a wealth of resources and SEL-focused experiences to bring the beauty and wisdom of the natural world back to your school.

We welcome:

Educators
Administrators
Afterschool Staff
Wellness Leaders
DEIBJ Leaders
Deans
Counselors
and anyone passionate about integrating nature into education

What to Expect?

A Spirit of Playfulness and Discovery:
Step away from the blue light of screens and into the filtered light of the forest. Expect a day filled with readings, reflection, sharing, and nature-based experiences designed to rejuvenate your imagination and your practice.

‍Hands-On, Nature-Focused Exercises:
Engage in experiential activities designed for K-12 and adult communities, fostering SEL learning that is both deeply restorative and profoundly impactful.

‍Creative Application Across Disciplines:
Explore ways to integrate nature into your content teaching – from PE to Science to English – and engage with topics like climate change, cultural sensitivity to land, and the rights of nature.

Workshop Goals:

Understand the vital role nature plays in SEL and in the well-being of educators and students alike.
Participate in experiential, nature-focused exercises that can be adapted for diverse school settings.
Learn how to creatively incorporate nature-based themes and experiences into your curriculum, supporting emotional, scientific, and artistic learning.

What's included:

Ready-to-use lessons and activities for your classroom
A guided journal to capture your reflections and ideas
A healthy lunch and plenty of snacks

Additional Workshop Information can be found on our website.

Teaching with Nature: Crafting Curriculum & Cultivating Wellness