fun fact! Natalie despises white chocolate in any context other than macadamia nut cookies!
Natalie Brown, Kindergarten lead teacher
​what is your Favorite time of year and why?
I love the very beginning of spring when the little crocus flowers pop through the last of the snow and ice. As a child, this time excited me because I knew my birthday would be coming soon, and that meant a homemade cake of my choice and Mexican food for dinner. Now, though, I like this time of year best because I enjoy spotting those little signs of life after many weeks of muddy snow and mostly gray skies.
What is your background in education?
I knew I wanted to be an elementary school teacher when I was about 7 years old; I was so inspired by my first grade teacher, Mrs. Hume, who knew so much about plants and animals. I wanted to be just like her. I started working with children as a day camp counselor every summer at the Urbana Park District as soon as I could get my work permit. I also babysat throughout high school and college. I earned my bachelor's degree in elementary education from Luther College and graduated in the spring of 2022. Additionally, I earned endorsements in teaching reading (K-12) and ESL (K-12) and I am licensed to teach general education K-6. Since getting my licensure translated to the Illinois education system, I have taught 3rd grade and 1st grade in the Urbana school district. Now I am so pleased to be teaching Kindergarten at Bluestem hall nature school!
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What are your thoughts on nature-based education?
I think nature-based education is not only a good way to teach and learn, but also the way that feels right to me personally. There is something so natural about allowing (and encouraging) children climb and run and take some risks. Spending the day in nature provides so many opportunities to learn and grow for students and educators alike. In my first month here I have already learned a lot I didn't know about our native plants, animals, and fungi; I would never have had the opportunity to learn in such a way without first leaving the traditional classroom. As a second-generation German American, I also feel the need to point out that "Kindergarten" translates literally to "garden of children". Young children especially should be outside!
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fun fact! Nina is currently learning to band and track birds through the University of Illinois
Nina Carmichael, preschool lead teacher
​what is your Favorite time of year and why?
My favorite time of the year is Autumn. I love the warm color palette of fall across vast landscapes, the opportunity to see birds I don’t typically get to see due to migration, and the lessons nature role models to let go of what no longer serves you as you complete your harvest to prepare for winter.
What is your background in education?
My background in education started early in life. I have experience over 15 years of experience as a childcare provider. I became a teaching assistant from age 20-25 at two different schools at the elementary and middle school level, I’ve facilitated youth adventure and art programing at various community centers, schools, and shelters and worked as a camp counselor for kids of all abilities in Seattle Washington.
My educational background is in Community Psychology and Education and the two are closely tied for me. Before moving to Illinois I was a Forest Preschool teacher and absolutely fell in love with it and made the decision that if I was to teach again it would have to include a strong outdoor component because its so healing and FUN!
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What are your thoughts on nature-based education?
I think as humans we forget we come from and are apart of nature. Nature is home, playground, and classroom. Getting to know your environment intimately offers a sense of wonder, understanding, protection, challenge, and so many other gifts!
Nature-based and outdoor education enhance learning in ways that traditional classrooms settings often cannot. This is particularly true with the hands-on participatory aspect of learning. Seeing, experiencing, and feeling what you learn about up close and personal.
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