Outdoor Learning Conference 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference

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2:00pm MDT

Beyond the Child: Exploring Land-Led Pedagogies in K-6 Outdoor Education LIMITED

Friday May 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT

This interactive, outdoor workshop invites educators to explore the shift from traditional child-centered pedagogies to land-led pedagogies in outdoor education. Emphasizing the land as a teacher, this session fosters reciprocal, respectful relationships between students and the natural world. Drawing from Natural Curiosity’s Four Branches of Environmental Inquiry and Indigenous Perspectives, participants will engage in hands-on activities, group discussions, and reflection-based practices. They will also explore a spiral model of learning and assessment that is rooted in the natural cycles of the seasons. This holistic framework helps educators deepen their connection to the land and integrate seasonally attuned teaching practices into their classrooms.

Speakers

Alyson McMullen

Natural Curiosity/University of Toronto

Alyson (she/her) is of Mushkegowuk (Swampy Cree), Irish and French ancestry. She is an educator (RECE, OCT) whose work is centered around decolonizing education through land centered inquiry based practice. Alyson is a graduate of the Waaban Indigenous Teacher Education Program at... Read More →

Krista Spence

Teacher-Librarian, Land-Based Learning Teacher, Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Lab School/University of Toronto

Krista Spence, (she/her) BA, MA in Ed., RECE, Teacher-Librarian and Land-based Educator, works at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Lab School, an elementary school in downtown Toronto. Krista was the recipient of the ‘Outstanding Early Childhood Educator’ EECOM award... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Eagle

Indigenous Ways of Knowing Workshop

3:15pm MDT

Water Connects All Things: Combination Workshop Two Educator Guides! – Foundations of Water Education and Water in Earth Systems Certification Workshop FILLING

Friday May 9, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT

Eagle

Join our Combination Certification Workshop for Foundations of Water Education and Water in Earth Systems. Participants will receive copies of the Foundations of Water Education: A Water Literacy Education Guide and the Water in Earth Systems Guide. Throughout the workshop, participants will engage in interactive, hands-on activities from the guides, focusing on water, climate change, and environmental justice. These fun, dynamic activities are designed to be both educational and engaging. Be prepared to move, learn, and have fun while gaining ready-to-use lessons that support curriculum outcomes. Participants will have pre-conference, easy-to-complete work to do to help meet workshop requirements.

Speakers

Maxine Koskie

National Education Coordinator - Project WET Canada, Canadian Water Resources Assoctation - Project WET Canada

Maxine Koskie, B.Ed., is the National Education Coordinator for Project WET Canada, bringing over 38 years of K-12 teaching experience. She has been a passionate advocate of the Project WET Program since 1996, serving as a dedicated educator, outdoor leader, and community member... Read More →

Billie Jo Reid

Canadian Water Resources Association - Project WET Canada

Billie Jo, began her career in Outdoor Education at the age of 16, becoming a canoe instructor. Since then, she has completed several canoe instructor levels and worked as a wilderness canoe tripping guide and instructor for over 25 years. She is a graduate of the Parks and Forest... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT
Eagle

Environmental and Climate Change Education Workshop

Outdoor Learning Conference 2025