Programs
Teacher Training
Program Information
Crystal Springs Foundation offers comprehensive environmental education teacher training designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to bring meaningful outdoor learning experiences to their students. This hands-on professional development program takes place at the stunning Crystal Springs Preserve, a 530-acre nature preserve that serves as a living laboratory for environmental education.
Program Focus
Our teacher training provides educators with firsthand experience of the educational programs their students will encounter during field trips to Crystal Springs Foundation. Teachers will participate in the same activities, investigations, and learning experiences that students engage with, gaining deep understanding of the curriculum content and teaching methods used at the preserve. This immersive approach ensures teachers can effectively prepare their students for the field trip experience and maximize learning outcomes both before and after the visit.
Training Location
Crystal Springs Preserve, a pristine 530-acre nature preserve, provides the perfect backdrop for immersive teacher training. This diverse landscape features multiple ecosystems including wetland, hammock, and upland habitats.
Wetlands, forests, and springs, offering educators firsthand experience with the same environments their students will explore. The preserve’s varied habitats support numerous species of native wildlife and plant communities, creating rich opportunities for authentic environmental education.
Hands-On Learning Approach
Our training immerses teachers in the exact same experiences their students will have during field trips to Crystal Springs Preserve. Teachers will participate in all student activities, from field investigations and data collection to habitat explorations and inquiry-based learning exercises. This direct participation allows educators to understand the educational objectives, anticipate student questions and challenges, and recognize opportunities to connect the field experience with their classroom curriculum.
Key Training Components
- Ecosystem Exploration: Understanding the preserve’s diverse habitats and their interconnections
- Standards Integration: Connecting field experiences to specific Florida Sunshine Science Standards
- Student Engagement Strategies: Techniques for maintaining focus and enthusiasm in outdoor settings
- Assessment Methods: Evaluating student learning in field-based environments
- Curriculum Integration: Linking preserve experiences to classroom follow-up activities
Expected Outcomes
Upon completion of this training, educators will:
- Have experienced firsthand all activities and programs their students will participate in during field trips
- Understand the educational objectives and learning outcomes of each preserve program
- Be able to effectively prepare students for their Crystal Springs experience
- Know how to reinforce and extend field trip learning back in the classroom
- Appreciate the connections between preserve activities and Florida Sunshine Science Standards
- Feel confident discussing the field trip experience with students, parents, and administrators
This comprehensive training ensures that teachers are prepared to maximize the educational impact of their students’ visits to Crystal Springs Foundation while meeting academic standards and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
Reservation Information
Please contact us at info@crystalspringsfoundation.org or call 813-715-9707 to schedule.
Questions About Registration
813-715-9707
info@crystalspringsfoundation.org
Weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Target Audience
This training program serves educators teaching grades 3-12, providing differentiated approaches and age-appropriate strategies for elementary, middle, and high school students. Content is scaled to meet the developmental needs and academic standards specific to each grade band.
Standards Alignment
All training components and student programs are aligned with Florida’s Sunshine Science Standards, ensuring that field experiences seamlessly integrate with classroom curriculum requirements. Teachers will learn to identify and implement specific standard connections across multiple grade levels, making environmental education an effective complement to traditional science instruction.
Support the Preserve
Help us develop the next generation of environmental stewards.