Boulder Chamber: Garden To Table Offers Free School Garden Training For Teachers And Parents In BVSD

Press release from the Boulder Chamber:

February 09, 2022

Garden To Table Offers Free School Garden Training for Teachers and Parents in BVSD

Throughout the pandemic, school garden programs have continued to be a popular addition to elementary science curriculum in Boulder Valley School District. Local nonprofit, Garden To Table, provides garden management, curriculum, training and support to elementary schools so that students can participate in garden-based learning every year. On site, school gardens are the perfect place for children to connect with nature, grow food and learn science during the school day, ensuring every child benefits. During times of trauma and isolation, school garden programs can also provide much needed solace and fun. 

With funding from the Boulder County Office of Sustainability, Garden To Table is offering free school garden training for teachers and parents in BVSD. This training will help to build a team of school garden champions at each school to maximize the benefits of this asset for students’ health and education. Priority will be given to teachers and parents at Garden To Table partner schools. 

The 7.5-hour teacher training is offered through the BVSD Professional Learning department and comes with salary credit or a $150 stipend. Teachers will learn the science behind sustainable gardening practices, how to teach in a garden setting, and how to access and use Garden To Table curricula. The training will take place on March 1, March 8 and April 5 from 4-5:30, plus independent planning time. Registration is through MyPassport, course #26359. Visit www.gardentotable.org for more information. 

The 5-hour parent training is free and participants will receive a $100 stipend. Parents will learn how to make the most of their child’s school garden. Topics include sustainable gardening practices, and how to support garden lessons, recruit volunteers, and access and use Garden To Table resources. The training will take place on March 8, 4-5:30 (via Zoom), and April 9, 12-3:30 (in person outdoors). Visit www.gardentotable.org for more information and to register. Spanish translation will be available. 

School garden programs require a solid partnership between the school community and Garden To Table in order to succeed long term. Garden management and curriculum services must be paired with a commitment by teachers to use the garden for instruction and support from parents in the form of donations and volunteerism. These trainings are key to building capacity for ongoing school garden success. 

To learn more about Garden To Table and these training opportunities, visit www.gardentotable.org. 

Contact:

Stephanie Dobbie

Executive Director

Garden To Table

stephanie@gardentotable.org

(505) 220-8673

This press release was produced by the Boulder Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.