Public-Private School Partnership of Two Nature-Based Education Programs: How to Maintain Quality of Staff, Curriculum, and the Collaboration Itself

Dr. Rhea brings back outdoor learning leaders, Pete Silvius and Amanda McMickle, to dive deeper into their nature based, public-private partnership between Seguin ISD’s Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center and the Will Smith Zoo School of San Antonio. While public-private, prekindergarten partnerships are common, Pete and Amanda are paving the way for outdoor learning programs to pursue such partnerships, benefitting the whole heath of its students, educators, and community members. Listen in as they describe their goals and objectives while planning the collaboration, the importance of both management and curriculum, and the importance of considering such programs for all grades K-12, not just early childhood. Pete Silvius is the Director of Whole Child Initiatives for Seguin ISD in Seguin, Texas. This is Pete’s 28th year working in public education.  He has a background in Physical Education and Special Education but his passion is Outdoor Education.  Pete is honored to work for Seguin ISD going on 23 years and is especially thankful for support of innovative programing including the LiiNK Project, Adventure School, The Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center, and Adventure Camp Summer Programs.  Pete is active within the Seguin community serving on the board for the Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center, Parks and Recreation Advisory, Planning and Zoning, and the Guadalupe Appraisal District.  Pete is a founder of the newly formed Community Cycles non-profit organization in Seguin.  Pete is married and has two grown children.  Amanda McMickle is the Vice President of Education at San Antonio Zoo. She has been a leader of nature schools ranging from public to private, early childhood to Kinder-6th grade. Amanda is the founder of ⁠Southwest Early Childhood Outdoors (SECO) which is a regional group that meets monthly to discuss nature-based philosophy, best practices, and advocacy. Amanda currently sits on the leadership board of ⁠Natural Start Alliance⁠ and the governing boards of ⁠Families in Nature⁠ and ⁠International Play Association-USA Chapter⁠. Amanda is a doctoral candidate in a program at the University of the Incarnate Word entitled Adult Education, Social Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.