Transforming Learning Outdoors at Hewitt Elementary
Midway ISD’s Hewitt Elementary is taking learning beyond the walls of the classroom with an outdoor learning space that transforms traditional lessons into hands-on explorations. Angela Brown, a kindergarten teacher at Hewitt Elementary and Baylor MA in School Leadership student, championed the development of a space that includes an outdoor amphitheater, weather station, greenhouse, and chicken coop. Dedicated to providing students with opportunities to build curiosity and recognize that learning happens everywhere, Brown has provided a place where teachers and students can explore the world together.
When a grant from the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District was awarded to the campus, Brown knew it was an opportunity to inspire her classroom lessons into new experiences. Principal Christy Watley shared that the imaged outdoor learning space has transformed student learning experiences, with many of the teachers utilizing the space to deliver more engaging lessons. Students in 3rd through 5th grade apply for the Garden Club that supports the development and maintenance of the outdoor space. Involvement in this club brings about leadership experiences that allow students to make campus-level decisions alongside the teachers and administrators on their campus.
Inspired by stories shared during educational leadership coursework with Dr. Bill Sterrett, Brown collaborated with colleagues to develop a series of green initiatives leading toward a model of environmental sustainability. In his School Management class, Sterrett overviews the notion of “sustainability in schools” with a focus on stewardship principles and the three pillars of the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS). Former students Meredith Frey, Sahira Kodra, and Krystle Moos joined Sterrett and Brown in showcasing the vision and growth of the outdoor space.
Sterrett has researched and published extensively about green schools, ranging from Colorado and Virginia to partnering with three schools in North Carolina. “It’s exciting to see leaders like Angela Brown incorporate green schools principles into their work as school leaders,” observed Sterrett. “Hewitt Elementary students gain the benefit of learning gardening practices, animal sciences, and plant sciences through an engaging outdoor environment.” Sterrett and Frey have worked to support the Baylor Sustainability Leadership Committee.
Sustainability Director Gary Cocke joined the Hewitt Elementary and noted, “The campus provides an exemplar for engaging with young students on environmental topics.” As Baylor is prioritizing local and global engagement for sustainability, partnerships to scale these learning experiences with K-12 schools can provide tremendous impact for students and the broader community.
Looking ahead, Brown has her sights set on helping Hewitt Elementary pursue recognition as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School to celebrate the progress made in health and wellness, outdoor education, and resource stewardship. With supportive leadership from her campus administration and opportunities through Baylor’s MA in School Leadership program, Brown has leveraged her expertise and passion to bring innovative initiatives onto her campus. The BCSL elevates the work of schools like Hewitt Elementary that take meaningful steps to make the world a better place from the work that begins in schools.
The BCSL provides resources to connect and support educators in the work being done in schools. Educators share their experiences through the BCSL Insights blog and the Just Schools Podcast. Explore these resources here: https://bcsl.soe.baylor.edu/bcsl-resources-0
Ready to take the next steps in your leadership journey? Discover the graduate programs that Baylor University’s School of Education offers to deepen your impact as an educator and leader. Explore your options today: https://bcsl.soe.baylor.edu/graduate-programs