Summer Preparatory Training – Nature-Based Education in LSSD
As part of LSSD’s continued commitment to supporting mental health, well-being, and meaningful learning through nature-based education, six LSSD educators participated in three days of summer preparatory training on August 17, 18, and 19. The training focused on building educator knowledge, skills, and confidence in nature-based education—a holistic approach that integrates nature and life systems across learning to help people feel more connected to themselves, others, and the world around them.
This training represented a final step in the partnership between LSSD and the Nature Education Collective (NEC), with a focus on moving from individual learning and practice toward sustainable, systemic change across the division. By developing capacity within LSSD educators and school leaders, the training was designed to embed nature-based approaches into school communities and create a foundation for this work to continue, grow, and be shared across the division.
A key component of the training explored the connection between nature, learning, mental health, and well-being. Nature-based education provides opportunities to strengthen connection and belonging, support social and emotional well-being, encourage movement and outdoor activity, and create meaningful learning experiences that contribute to the overall wellness of both students and staff.
An additional day of training was delivered on September 2 in partnership with NEC to support the development of LSSD’s Student & Staff Ambassador Program. The training brought together three Middle Years school administrators, six teachers, and one Program Director to build leadership and capacity for implementing and sustaining nature-based education within participating schools.
Educators were prepared to become Staff Ambassadors within their own schools, where they will champion, model, and support nature-based education and well-being initiatives. Staff Ambassadors will also support students in becoming Student Ambassadors, creating opportunities for student voice, leadership, connection, and meaningful participation in nature-based initiatives and a variety of youth action projects.
Together, the summer training and Ambassador Program mark an important transition from NEC-supported professional learning toward LSSD-owned and sustained implementation. By building leadership at the divisional, school, staff, and student levels, the initiative is intended to create lasting systemic change and strengthen a divisional culture that values nature connection, mental health and well-being, environmental stewardship, student voice, leadership, and meaningful action.
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