At TOTAL NM, we believe that teachers deserve the power to shape their classrooms—and that includes taking learning outdoors. Compiled by Executive Director and Co-Founder of TOTAL NM, Allison Martin, this guide is designed to help educators easily integrate outdoor learning into their daily routine, creating accessible, equitable, and sustainable outdoor classrooms in schoolyards across New Mexico. “To me, TOTAL NM’s purpose and one of the main reasons I wanted to put this framework together is to give teachers from across the state what they need to get started on their daily outdoor learning journeys with their students and then to inspire others to take the learning outdoors because every learner deserves that chance!” -Allison Martin

The information and resources within this framework are the result of countless hours of dedication from teachers, educators, partners, and advocates committed to outdoor learning. A special thank you to the incredible support and expertise from TOTAL NM’s Board Chair, Eileen Everett, for many dedicated years of effort surrounding opportunities for outdoor learning, including the work of Every Kid, Every Day, Every Way which inspired the need for more support around outdoor classrooms.

Key Partners

• UNM Wild Friends
• The Outdoor Learning School and Store
• APS Outdoor Learning Team
• Wild Learning
• SOL Forest School
• New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division

Thank you to the META Community Action Grant and the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division’s Equity Fund for supporting funds for this groundbreaking effort to make daily outdoor learning a reality for all students, in any schoolyard.

We recognize and deeply appreciate that all outdoor learning in New Mexico takes place on Native land. We are committed to fostering inclusivity by ensuring that all voices and perspectives are valued and integrated into every aspect of our work

This guide is built on the experiences and insights of the teachers and all of their students who participated in TOTAL NM’s Outdoor Educator Leadership Program (OELP): Jessica Ogle, Lord Alcomendras, Nino Labininay, Alma Ramirez, Ariadne Reagan, Bryant Reyes, Caleb Crum, Jana Adams, Celina Cordova, Sharon Bussell, Vanessa LaGrange, Natalie Kheir and Amanda Gallegos including all contributions from school administrators and outdoor education professionals within the Belen School District.

Think of this guide as your toolkit for taking your classroom outside. Outdoor learning:
-Supports the whole student—socially, emotionally, and academically
-Builds problem-solving and leadership skills
-Strengthens teacher-student relationships and classroom community
-Is easy to implement—no matter where you teach

..and so much more!

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