Course Details

  • MODULE 1: Growing Environmental Stewards in the School Garden

    • Develop a child’s love of nature and support their social emotional wellbeing through garden-based activities.  Participants in this course will learn how to set up their garden classroom as a safe and welcoming space that is inclusive and respectful of all living things. We will learn gardening tips and tricks with children while also demonstrating activities that engage children in using their senses to explore the natural world. Additionally, we will explore best practices in mindfulness and social emotional learning through an equity lens and how to incorporate this into the garden classroom.  

  • MODULE 2: Growing Engaged Learners in the School Garden

    • Learn to use a garden to breathe life into standards-based lessons based on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core Language Arts and Math. Participants in this course will also explore best practices for establishing and maintaining a positive, engaging culture of learning and fun in a garden setting. We will learn how to set the tone for equitable and inclusive instruction; garden class routines; and specific techniques to maximize student engagement and participation using Life Lab’s The Growing Classroom activity guide for grades K-6 and our newly released NGSS-aligned lessons. 

  • MODULE 3: Growing Children’s Wellbeing in the School Garden

    • Make the connection from seed to table in this empowering course! Using tried-and-true Life Lab lessons and recipes for grades K-8, participants will explore effective ways to teach nutrition and encourage kids to eat more fruits and vegetables through hands-on garden-based activities. We will demonstrate important routines for preparing and enjoying healthy food with kids such as, harvesting from the garden, kitchen and garden tool safety, and group and materials management. We will also learn different approaches to crop planning, composting and regenerative agriculture that inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

  • MODULE 4: Growing Resilient, Empowered Communities in the School Garden

    • Why do some school gardens take root and become well-established, while others struggle? In this course, we will discuss key elements of building a strong school garden culture. Together, we’ll explore different, sustainable school garden program models; planning tools to align year-round garden activities with academic and garden care goals; methods for assessing garden programs; and strategies for increasing funding.

 

Requirements for Certification

  • Make a good faith effort to attend all synchronous sessions in each course (live sessions meet over Zoom on Tuesdays, from 3:30 PM-5 PM PT).

  • Complete the 4 modules in the series (Each module is 4 weeks, 16 weeks course total):

    • Growing environmental stewards

    • Growing engaged learners

    • Growing Children's Wellbeing

    • Growing Resilient, empowered communities

  • Complete 3 coaching sessions where participants will model teach relevant lessons and receive feedback from a Life Lab coach. Demonstrate positive and effective instruction throughout both coaching sessions.

  • Complete a final reflection on the Life Lab approach to garden-based education, and how it applies to your work and community.

You will earn the distinction of being a Life Lab Certified Garden Educator
upon successful completion of all the requirements!

 

Graduate Credits Available

Upon successful completion of the full series, 8 University of the Pacific graduate education credits can be earned for an additional fee of $80 per credit hour, payable to University of the Pacific.  Most people seeking these credits are educators who are looking to increase their salary on a credit-based pay scale or for re-licensure credit.  Most institutions do not accept UofP credits towards a specific graduate degree however, if there is a specific program you intend to pursue, it may be worth checking with that institution.

 

Financial Assistance

Life Lab offers a limited number of discounted registrations for individuals and organizations dedicated to strengthening garden-based education.

Apply Here: https://forms.gle/ZKXrCGRmZTUtsQLs7
*Financial aid applications are due by July 18, 2025.

More sources and ideas for funding:

lifelab.org/school-garden-resources-all/2020/03/grant-searching?rq=funding

 

Cancellation Policy

We understand plans can change. Should you wish to drop the series 2 weeks prior to the course start date, you will be issued a full refund less a $50 administrative fee.

For cancellations within 2 weeks of the start date, you will be issued a full refund (less an administrative fee) ONLY if we are only able to fill your spot by someone else. We understand this is a big commitment, please consider the requirements before joining the certification course.