The Belen teachers participating in the Outdoor Educator Leadership Program are achieving remarkable milestones, and their work is already making an impact statewide. With the success of the first community event, the program is proving to be a game-changer for educators looking to bring the outdoors into the classroom.
"I am so proud of all the teachers in this program," said Allison Martin, Executive Director of TOTAL NM. "The resources they’ve created and shared are helping educators across the state engage their students in meaningful outdoor learning experiences, and this is only the beginning!"
The program's first community event was a resounding success, sparking excitement and engagement from educators and community members alike. The event marked the start of an ongoing effort to provide teachers across New Mexico with the tools and resources they need to get their students outside and learning in new ways.
As part of this initiative, a wide range of adaptable resources have already been made available for teachers statewide. These include lesson plans, outdoor activity guides, and a special video created by Belen Middle School Assistant Principal Caleb Crum, which showcases the program in action.
All of these resources are now available to the public and can be accessed here: [TOTAL NM Resources](https://www.totalnm.org/total-nms-monthly-community-events-getting-comfortable-in-the-outdoors/).
The program’s rapid success has garnered national attention. The Belen teachers and the broader community involved in the Outdoor Educator Leadership Program will be presenting their work at the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Annual Conference in Pittsburgh this November.
"We are thrilled to share the incredible work happening here in New Mexico on such a large stage," added Martin. "This conference will allow us to demonstrate the potential of outdoor education and inspire other educators and communities to take learning beyond the classroom walls."
The Belen educators are at the forefront of creating outdoor learning opportunities for students, demonstrating that teaching outdoors can be both accessible and transformative. TOTAL NM remains dedicated to empowering educators and fostering a love for outdoor learning among students throughout the state.
For more information about TOTAL NM and to access the resources developed by the Outdoor Educator Leadership Program, please visit [totalnm.org](https://www.totalnm.org).
TOTAL NM Contact:
Allison Martin (She/Her)
Executive Director, TOTAL NM
Email: info@totalnm.org
Website: [totalnm.org](https://www.totalnm.org)