About Us
What is NaturEd
NaturEd helps schools and educators cultivate nature-based learning communities where children, teachers, families, and the natural world grow in relationship with one another. Modeled after the success of Will Smith Zoo School and supported by San Antonio Zoo, NaturEd provides professional development, consulting, teacher certificate programs, and school accreditation for schools ready to deepen their nature-based practice. We believe nature is more than a setting for learning. Nature is a teacher, a relationship, and a pathway toward discovery, belonging, stewardship, and growth.
WAYS WE GROW WITH YOU-
Support for Your Nature-Based Journey
NaturEd walks alongside educators, schools, and organizations as they grow nature-based learning in ways that are thoughtful, practical, and rooted in relationship. Whether you are strengthening daily practice, building school-wide systems, preparing for accreditation, or imagining something new, our pathways are designed to meet your community where it is and help the work grow with intention.
The Evidence
Why Nature-Based Education?
The research is clear. Nature-based teaching practices produce measurable benefits for children, educators, schools, and communities alike.
For Children
- Enhanced creativity and better academic performance in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies
- Increased focus and decreased absenteeism
- Increased excitement and engagement for learning
- Reduced aggression and discipline problems
For Educators
- Renewed sense of purpose and professional identity
- Richer, more dynamic teaching environments
- Stronger relationships with students and families
- Access to a supportive professional community
- Clear pathways for growth and recognition
For Schools
- Increased teacher motivation & well-being
- Reduced stress
- Greater professional joy & confidence
For Communities
- Decreased community violence
- Increased physical activity & quality of life
- Improved social skills & reduced stress
A Clear Path to Accreditation
NaturEd provides a flexible pathway to accreditation for nature-based learning environments, supporting schools through self-assessment, documentation, and review every step of the way. Alongside school accreditation, our teacher certificate program equips teachers with the support and tools to confidently become nature-based educators.
