2. Teach It Outside: Principal Justin Nies, PhD, Shares a Schoolwide Approach to Outdoor Learning

Outdoor learning is a strategic approach to increasing student engagement, strengthening literacy skills, and building connections within a school community. Educator and administrator Dr. Justin Nies shares how Magee Elementary School in the Kettle Moraine School District implemented a year-long initiative to bring learning beyond the classroom. He explains how outdoor spaces can be used intentionally, reflects on his path into leadership, and highlights how a focus on belonging and transparency supported staff and student success.Links + Resources:Fostering Systems for Innovation Summer Institute (Applications due 5/10/26): https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIDPI/bulletins/414ca5b Wisconsin DPI Newsletter: https://dpi.wi.gov/news/dpi-connected/subscribeLast Child in the Woods (Book): https://bookshop.org/a/10747/9781565126053Children & Nature Network: https://www.childrenandnature.org/Reach Out to Justin Here: [email protected] your support for environmental education by becoming a member: waee.org/joinFollow the show online: Facebook: @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducationInstagram: @wisconsinassociationforeeLinkedIn: wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-incYouTube: @wisconsinassociationforeeView all book recommendations from the podcast: https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarterThank you to our sponsors:James E Dutton Foundation: https://www.jameseduttonfoundation.org/Natural Resources Foundation: https://www.wisconservation.org/WAEE Funding Partners: https://www.waee.org/our-supportersGreen & Healthy Schools Wisconsin: https://green-and-healthy-schools-wi-dnr.hub.arcgis.com/If you’d like to become a sponsor, contact us at [email protected]