Keynote Speaker

Teaching OUTSIDE The Box 2013 - Keynote Speaker

Jonathan Wuerth - School in the Woods

Jonathan Wuerth is the co-founder of School in the Woods, a school of choice for 78 fourth graders in Academy School District 20 located on the north side of Colorado Springs. Along with another teacher, Carol Stansfield, he created this natural science school and opened its doors to eager young naturalists 13 years ago. His school has become extremely popular and has won several awards including the CAEE PreK-12 award and Colorado Springs Greenie Awards for Environmental Education.

Jonathan has been a teacher for 23 years and now serves as the coordinator for the recently expanded school. He has taught several grades and spent a few years as a K-5 science teacher before School in the Woods opened. Three years later he received the district’s annual award for Elementary Educator of the Year. He holds a master’s degree in Integrated Science Education from Colorado College and a master’s degree in Professional Leadership from Regis University. Jonathan shares his love for the natural world with additional students while teaching summer enrichment programs focused on the outdoors and natural sciences.

Jonathan will share his adventures of starting an environmental school and its evolution over the years. He will present information about creating a “green” culture, building school community, and ways to capitalize on the allure of the natural world to promote curiosity and meaningful learning. Jonathan will also discuss ways to integrate environmental and sustainable education both in and out of a school's walls.

An excellent article about School in the Woods can be found by at this link.