Supporting teacher candidates in understanding effective ways to integrate outdoor education into their work is a key strategy in supporting environmental awareness and sustainability. In concert with Ball State’s commitment to immersive learning, Professor Cresta Hancock will be teaching a special section of EDST 150, Introduction to Teaching, in fall of 2025 with a focus on Outdoor Learning. This effort will be in partnership with Daleville Community Schools. In the fall of 2024, Ball State re-established their Professional Development School partnership with Daleville, with Prof. Hancock serving as the professional development liaison. Prof. Hancock and Daleville will work together to co-construct immersive learning experiences related to outdoor education for teacher candidates, supporting them in developing an understanding of place-based learning principles and practices, developing a connection to their local community and its natural resources, and strengthening environmental literacy in students. The project will also model how to engage local partners in promoting environmental education and sustainability.  

Ball State students will be engaged in a 10 hour/week field experience at Daleville Junior/Senior High School to develop project-based learning opportunities for students and develop community partnerships related to outdoor education. These opportunities will be co-planned and co-facilitated with Daleville mentor teachers. The work is funded and supported by the Ball State University Provost Immersive Learning Grant program.