about

it’s a wild story

Hi there! 

My name is Rachel and my family and I live in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. We love to swim in the lakes, walk through the forest, and marvel at the many waterfalls in our area!

She is the author of Wild Learning: Practical Ideas to Bring Teaching Outdoors and the creator of the popular Wild Math® and Wild Reading® curriculum series. Rachel’s two children, Finn and Taro, were her first inspiration for teaching math and reading outside.

Before starting Wild Learning®, Rachel taught as an elementary special education teacher and homeschooled her own children.

She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where she studies Educational Sustainability and Literacy, and plans to complete her degree in late fall 2025.

Her research explores how place-based, integrated language arts and science/sustainability curriculum can help children see the connections between people and nature and develop the skills they need to care for their world. In spring 2025, she developed and implemented a model curriculum in upper-elementary classrooms across Canada, evaluating student learning.

Working toward her doctorate has given Rachel a deeper understanding of how children learn. She designs every Wild Learning® resource to spark curiosity, make learning meaningful, and help children build a deep understanding and connection to the world around them.

Rachel earned a master’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education and a B.S. in Environmental Science & Analysis from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. She holds five teaching certificates in early childhood, elementary, special education, and literacy K-12.

She enjoys quiet walks in nature, reading good books, making baskets, traveling, and drinking strong coffee. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook @discoverwildlearning.

We would love to hear from you!

Contact us if you are interested in partnering with us for training, events, consulting, research, and collaborations!

Send an email to support@discoverwildlearning.com

Would you like Rachel to give a presentation, keynote, or professional development session at your school or organization?                 

 Learn more here.

Photo: Sara Tro www.saratrophoto.com

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