about us

it’s a wild story

Hi there! We are the Tidd family, and we love learning outside! We are lucky to have the lakes and creeks in the Finger Lakes Region of NY to explore!

Rachel is passionate about integrating the outdoors and natural materials in core academic areas such as reading and math. She is the author of the Wild Math® and Wild Reading® Curricula and the book Wild Learning: Practical Ideas for Bringing Teaching Outdoors (Jossey-Bass/Wiley 2023).

Prior to founding Wild Learning®, Rachel obtained extensive teaching experience as an elementary and special education teacher and as a homeschool parent. She is a doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Educational Sustainability and earned a Master’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education and a B.S. in Environmental Science from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. She enjoys walking in nature (alone!), good books, handwork such as knitting and basket making, traveling, and strong coffee. Learn more about us on IG @discoverwildlearning and her book, Wild Learning: Practical Ideas to Bring Teaching Outdoors.

Leo is the business operations manager at Wild Learning®. Leo enjoys land and water-based outdoor adventures with the family, tabletop roleplaying games, art, and cooking. He also is an environmental planning consultant and has worked on transportation projects across the country. He is currently the chair of the local planning board and is involved in local climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives. Rachel and Leo met at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and have been married for over 18 years. He also holds an M.P.A. in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University.

Finn is 13 years old and is a Ham Radio enthusiast, science, reading, and hot sauce. He loves hiking, swimming in gorges, skiing, biking, and kayaking. He helped test the upper-grade Wild Math® levels and has been our go-to person for many of our computer and technology issues!

Taro is 10 years old and enjoys history, building with blocks, carving, and plants. He also loves swimming, foraging wild foods, hiking, skiing, and building forts. He helped test the lower levels of Wild Math® and Wild Reading® and is an enthusiastic model for photos!

Partner with us!

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 [email protected]

Learn more about some of the services we offer.

Photo: Sara Tro www.saratrophoto.com