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Early Bird Discount 🎊Forest School Conference 2024
University Of Gloucestershire
Oxstalls Campus, Longlevens
LimitedSpace 🪚Chopping Block Workshop: Advanced Tool Skills
Inspired Forest School Training
Inspired Forest School Training, Station Road, Churchdown, Gloucestershire, GL3 2JX
First Aid ⛑️Forest School First Aid
Inspired Forest School Training
Inspired Forest School Training, Station Road, Churchdown, Gloucestershire, GL3 2JX
First Aid ⛑️Forest School First Aid
Inspired Forest School Training
Inspired Forest School Training, Station Road, Churchdown, Gloucestershire, GL3 2JX
What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a Forest School Teacher?
Exploring Requirements and Job Opportunities
If you’ve ever wondered about embarking on a fulfilling career as a Forest School teacher, you’re not alone. Forest School education has gained significant popularity, and becoming a certified Forest School teacher is an exciting prospect. In this blog post, we will dive into the professional requirements for becoming a Forest School teacher and also discuss the abundant job opportunities in this growing field.
Professional Requirements to Be a Forest School Teacher
Becoming a Forest School teacher requires specific qualifications and skills to ensure the safety and educational growth of your students. Here are the key requirements:
- Forest School Leader Training: The primary qualification you need is to complete a certified Forest School Leader training program. Accredited programs, often recognised by organisations like the Forest School Association, provide comprehensive training in outdoor education principles, risk management, child development, and environmental education techniques.
- Outdoor Skills and Safety Certifications: As a Forest School teacher, you must possess a strong understanding of outdoor skills and safety. Consider obtaining certifications such as Wilderness First Aid, navigation skills, and outdoor activity leadership qualifications.
- Child Development Knowledge: Understanding child development is crucial to tailor outdoor activities to your students’ specific needs and ages. Courses or degrees in early childhood education or child psychology can be advantageous.
- Environmental Education Background: A passion for the environment and a solid grasp of ecological principles are essential. Courses or degrees in environmental science or education can bolster your credentials.
- Pedagogical Skills: Effective teaching and communication skills are vital in any educational role. Forest School teachers should create a positive learning environment, adapt activities to different learning styles, and provide constructive feedback.
- First Aid Certification: Given the outdoor nature of the job, maintaining current first aid and CPR certification is mandatory to ensure the safety of your students.
Job Opportunities in the Forest School Teaching Field
Once you’ve met the professional requirements and become a certified Forest School teacher, a multitude of opportunities await you in the job market:
- Independent Forest School Programs: Many Forest School teachers choose to establish their independent Forest School programs. This offers autonomy in designing and leading outdoor education sessions for children and adults, enabling you to create a unique educational experience.
- Schools and Educational Institutions: Traditional schools, nature-based preschools, and outdoor education centres increasingly incorporate outdoor education into their curriculum. Forest School teachers can find employment in these settings, delivering nature-rich learning experiences.
- Community Organisations: Non-profit organisations, nature centres, and community groups often hire Forest School teachers to lead nature-based programs and workshops for their communities.
- Environmental Education Centres: Environmental education centres, wildlife reserves, and national parks employ Forest School teachers to lead educational programs that connect people with nature.
- Consulting and Training: Experienced Forest School teachers can branch out into consulting and training roles, sharing their expertise with other educators, schools, and organisations interested in integrating outdoor education into their programs.
- Research and Advocacy: Some Forest School teachers choose to engage in research and advocacy work, promoting the benefits of outdoor education and environmental awareness.
For those curious about pursuing a career as a Forest School teacher, understanding the professional requirements and job opportunities is essential. By obtaining the necessary qualifications and skills, you can embark on a rewarding journey that not only connects people with nature but also opens doors to various job opportunities in this rapidly growing field. As more people recognise the value of nature-based learning, the demand for skilled Forest School teachers is expected to increase, making it an attractive and promising career choice.
