Teachers’ Academy Transforms Forest Park into Classroom

Recently named by Yahoo! Travel as one of the world’s top ten most beautiful city parks, Forest Park is a special oasis in the middle of a busy city for St. Louisans and millions of visitors each year.

For two weeks this July, that oasis will become a classroom, as the park welcomes the return of the annual Voyage of Learning Teachers’ Academy. Local teachers – ranging from preschool to high school educators – are immersed in an experiential workshop that explores ways they can use Forest Park’s rich resources as a natural extension of the classroom.

“The Voyage of Learning Teacher’s Academy utilizes our city’s urban park landmark as a tool to inspire educators and engage students of all ages in this outdoor learning laboratory,” said Lesley Hoffarth, President of Forest Park Forever – a not-for-profit organization founded in 1986 to restore, maintain and sustain Forest Park as one of America’s great urban public parks for the enjoyment of all, now and forever.

But while the annual program is rewarding for all concerned, it’s no walk in the park: The instructional team will guide this year’s 27 participants through an intensive professional development program. For the past 13 years, educators have battled the St. Louis summer heat to discover the educational riches that Forest Park can offer their students.

Even as state budget cuts for education continue, Forest Park sees the value of investing in local education programs. Since the Academy’s launch in 2000, Forest Park has hosted 335 teachers who have used their training to educate an estimated 70,000 children. As an incentive to engage these students in outdoor learning, Forest Park funds buses to bring participating teachers and their classes to and from the park during the school year.

“I cannot wait to bring a group of my students to Forest Park,” said Mallory Rodriguez, a teacher at Holman Elementary and Voyage of Learning 2012 participant. “My only concern is, ‘Will one day be enough time to experience all the aspects of the Park?’ The Forest Park Voyage of Learning program has by far been the most fun, interesting and diverse class I have ever taken.”

The Voyage of Learning Teachers’ Academy is just one of many programs that celebrate Forest Park as one of America’s great urban public parks. Recently, Forest Park Forever launched a commemorative campaign to collect 50,000 Forest Park moments to honor a major milestone: the 50,000th day since the Park’s establishment on June 24, 1876. Share your favorite moments and memories using #FPF50K on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

For more information on other Forest Park events, or to learn how you can become a member of Forest Park Forever visit the website at www.forestparkforever.com.