AMDSB OE PD

What do all those letters stand for? Avon Maitland District School Board Outdoor Education Professional Development! On May 17, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Education staff hosted teachers from the Avon-Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) for a Professional Development session about Outdoor Education at Wildwood Conservation Area.  

Judy Halpern, from the University of Laurier’s Faculty of Education, facilitated the day using inspiration from the book, “A Walking Curriculum” by Gillian Judson. The session was part of a wider movement at the AMDSB, called Field and Forest, that focuses on Indigenous, Environmental Learning and Discoveries.

Kathleen Padfield-Jackson, Environmental and Land-Based Learning Lead at the AMDSB said, “Participants are encouraged to realize how the simple act of taking a walk—a walk with a curricular focus, or a unique purpose – can have multiple positive consequences—many of which are much more profound than we ever imagine. On a deeper level, walking-based practice connects curriculum topics with topics and issues in the real world.  A new level of curriculum relevance can emerge for students as a result. Going even deeper, walking-based practice can support students in developing a sense of Place.”
 
Many of the AMDSB staff that attended have participated in previous UTRCA Education programs, at Wildwood, on their schoolyards, and in their communities. This session allowed them to share some of the many connections and programming inspired by partnerships between the Conservation Authority and local School Board. As School Boards are the primary clients of UTRCA Education programs, it was a privilege to hear both success stories as well as barriers teachers wanting to use more outdoor education practices may face. Conversations like these are what propel Boards and the UTRCA to meet staff and students “where they’re at”, whether that be determined by location, level of comfort or access to resources and program opportunities.
 
Thanks again to the Wildwood Conservation Area Team for providing the space, resources and atmosphere this session needed!

Photo credit: Kathleen Padfield-Jackson