In-Person
Teacher Training
Programs
The Cedarsong Way® Residential & On-Site Teacher Training Programs
"Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls.”
Erin Kenny, Founder, The Cedarsong Way
You will learn through comprehensive instruction, featuring:
in-depth topic discussions & workshops
experiential explorations (i.e. adult play i.e. unstructured time in nature)
direct observation of pedagogy implementation
hands-on practicum opportunities & reflection sessions
valuable Q&A sessions with an experienced Cedarsong Certified Trainer
The Cedarsong Way® Nature Pedagogy is distinguished by a commitment to significant outdoor time and complete nature immersion, allowing for unstructured flow learning, authentic play, a child-inspired emergent curriculum, place-based focus, and an inquiry-based teaching style. Nature Immersion, as Erin Kenny defined it, is “unstructured free time in nature, resulting in an intimate, deep and personal connection to the natural world.” The Cedarsong Way® is also a compassion-scaffolded method of teaching, where educators guide and coach children toward being respectful, mindful, aware of and empathetic toward all living beings.
The Cedarsong Way 5 Day Teacher Training
During this 35 hour training, you will explore the unique elements of The Cedarsong Way Nature Pedagogy and how to implement the foundational principles in any educational setting, including unstructured nature immersion, interest-led flow learning, inquiry-based teaching, child-inspired emergent curriculum, and fostering social and emotional growth through positive reinforcement.
You will gain critical insights to ensure your program’s success by engaging with
the essential elements of outdoor nature-based learning, such as:
Attending to Basic Needs (theirs & yours):
appropriate clothing
food & toileting
emotional comfort & safety
Cultivating Community:
fostering a sense of inclusion among all types of learners
addressing issues of equitable access to high-quality outdoor learning
building a supportive parent community - from newsletters to seasonal celebrations, and more
entering into mutually beneficial community partnerships with outside orgs
connecting with others in the Forest Kindergarten community
Nature-Based Educator Skills & Pedagogy Implementation:
knowing when to step in or step back
inquiry-based teaching and emergent curriculum
naturalist knowledge balanced with interest-led flow learning
“back-pocket” activities; plus, tool use & building fires* (depending on group interest)
Documentation of Learning
active observation - understanding how to intentionally watch, listen to, and record learning
exploring types of documentation: anecdotal notes, photos, portfolios, floor books, etc.
identifying the needs of stakeholders and how information will be shared
understanding elements of effective documentation
Risks & Hazards:
providing opportunities for risky play
identifying, assessing, and mitigating hazards
benefit/risk assessment
effective risk management through collaboration with teachers and learners
Upon completion of the Cedarsong Way Teacher Training program, you will be sent a digital certificate. At the time of your certification, you will be added to the Cedarsong Way site as one of our certified teachers.
The difference between Residential & On-Site Training Programs:
Residential Training Program:
The Residential Teacher Training Program takes place at a Cedarsong Way Accredited school.
In the training sessions, you will observe the model in action and have an opportunity to meet with Cedarsong Way teachers.
COST: $1,500 / participant
On-Site Training Program:
The On-Site Teacher Training Program offers an opportunity for you to host a Cedarsong Way Certified Trainer at your school.
These trainings may also be open to participants from other schools and programs, if room allows.
COST: varies depending on number of participants
If travel is required for your training, please note that transportation, lodging, and food are not included. We will assist you with information on affordable lodging.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
CURRENT RESIDENTIAL TRAINING OFFERINGS
April 6th – 10th, 2026 Asheville Farmstead, Asheville, NC with Lauren Roddick-Brown
June 12th – 16th, 2026 Wind Ridge Schoolhouse, Duluth, MN with Laura Whittaker
July 20th – 24th, 2026 Asheville Farmstead, Asheville, NC with Lauren Roddick-Brown
Aug. 10th - 14th, 2026 Mountain Sprouts Children’s Community, Leavenworth, WA with Nicole Corbo
Please note:
You must complete The Online Foundations course prior to attending an in-person training.
The Foundations course is a 10-15 hour online training that covers all of the basics of the Cedarsong Way. It includes reading, watching videos, filling out documentation forms and one individual mentoring session.
Cost: $280 (including mentor session & books)
If you have not yet completed Foundations, please register here.
Scroll down until you see The Cedarsong Way Foundations Training
EXCITING NEWS!
MN residents: The Cedarsong Way Teacher Training is now Develop Approved! KCF Areas and
CDA Content Areas covered by the course are listed on the Wind Ridge Schoolhouse site.
WA residents: The Cedarsong Way Teacher Training will earn you 30 STARS hours, which count toward the required 30 hours or 3 credits of specialized nature-based education training for licensed ONB programs.
Interested in hosting an On-Site Teacher Training, where a Certified Cedarsong Trainer comes to your school or program? Reach out today!
Learn The Cedarsong Way
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Learn The Cedarsong Way 〰️
The Cedarsong Way recognizes nature as the primary teacher and allows space and time for children’s interests to guide the exploration of myriad loose parts, all the elements, and the intricate lives of other living beings.
The Cedarsong Way emphasizes compassion scaffolding, modeling respect for the autonomy of all living beings.
Cedarsong teachers facilitate and guide through inquiry, provocations, and invitations, offering children access to the expansive learning opportunities found in all expressions of play, creativity, and exploration outdoors.