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Founded in 2012, The Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers is the first teacher training institution in North America to specialize in human development and deep nature connection.

The Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers was founded by Lia Grippo, Erin Dews, Kelly Villarruel, and Kolmi Majumdar.

Lia Grippo also established Wild Roots Forest School in 1998, the longest running forest school in North America. Each of our instructors have been in the field of early childhood education for over 35 years and continue to bring passion, wonder, and playfulness to their work.

Teacher Training Courses

“This weekend workshop has breathed life into my approach to Early Childhood Education. I feel so much more confident, and inspired to bring what I have learned into my classroom. The facilitators base their philosophy in neuroscience and the science of child development, which is very important to me. They being warmth, compassion, humor, authenticity, and expertise to their workshops. They were able to answer so many big questions I had, and give me tangible practices I can bring to my classroom right away.” - Shannon Foley

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The Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers is building a healthy foundation for teacher support. We recognize that our trainings take place on weekends and during summer months. Educators and leaders invest time and funds to grow and connect their work to the greater needs of our communities.

Let’s support this investment so we may continue to grow nature connected educators and leaders who protect the values, behaviors, and relationships of people to themselves, others, and to the natural world.

If you would like us to share “Sponsor a Nature Connected Teacher” with your school community, please let us know. We are happy to reach out and request that teachers are invested in and supported to stay in a healthy stream of education, camaraderie, and professional development. info@forestkindergartenacademy.org

BIRDS OF A FEATHER - RECLAIMING NATURE CONNECTION WEEKEND

An incredible group of dedicated, engaged educators who danced in the Spring rain, shared their teacher know-how with one another, tackled important issues with positivity and grace, and built new layers of care taking. We all departed feeling more connected, bonded, and inspired to create and hold community festivals back home. What an honor to spend time and play with these humans. Thank you to the '“Nestifull” group!

Academy of Forest Kindergarten Teachers offers a variety of workshops and classes designed to enrich and inspire individuals who want to share their knowledge, enthusiasm and wonder of nature with young children. Participating in our workshops also connects participants with a diverse community of naturalists and educators. We invite you to join in for hands-on, research-based, and anecdotal learning infused with songs, games, stories, and deeper nature connection.