Forest For Every Classroom is a professional development program for educators focused on place-based education. Teachers who participate in FFEC develop curriculum that foster student understanding of and appreciation for the public lands in their communities. The teacher-developed curricula integrate hands-on natural and cultural explorations that address concepts in ecology, sense of place, stewards, and civics. At the heart of the FFEC program is the belief that students who are immersed in the interdisciplinary study of “place” are more eager to learn and be involved in the stewardship of their communities and public lands.
FFEC ran in the Helena area for 3 successful years. The current program is now hosted by the Montana Environmental Education Association. To learn more about the program please visit their website here.
For more information about this program, please consider visiting some of the related web sites listed below:
The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park is the location of the first Forest For Every Classroom Series. This site has sample curricula as well as two evaluations of the FFEC program performed by the Place-based Education Evaluation Collaborative.
The New Hampshire Project Learning Tree has replicated the program for their state.
If you’re interested in a similar program check out the Helena Master Naturalist page!