To create healthy and resilient communities, Ironwood Tree Experience makes it possible for young people to engage with the natural world and be stewards of the environment.
ITE believes that for our communities to be resilient, we must connect educators, as well as youth, with the land. Therefore, we offer nature-based PD experiences for educators that simultaneously deepen their own relationship with place while providing them with research-based tools to bring back to their classrooms.
Each year, educators who participate in our PDs become ITE Keystone Educators and are the first to know about field trip, internship, and camping/backpacking opportunities for their youth.
Educators who work with youth ages 12-18 can join us for:
- Educator Meet N’ Greet: A season preview of ITE full of nature activities and opportunities to sign up your classes for no-cost field trips throughout the year
- Ongoing PD opportunities: During our paid field days, we visit key intersectional locations along the Santa Cruz corridor, including Tumacácori National Historic Park, Madera Canyon, and Canoa Ranch, where ITE staff guide educators through activities like: ethnobotany walks, asset mapping, outdoor skills and holistic storytelling (dates forthcoming)
*We specifically say educators to note that we work with classroom teachers as well as non-formal educators who might work with nonprofits or youth in other capacities
Upcoming PD Programs
ITE Educator Professional Development – Fall ’24 Spring ’25!
Attend a professional development session to connect teachers and students to places in Santa Cruz Valley