Teton Science Schools

A REIMAGINED VISION FOR EDUCATION: The simplest way to express the dream of Ted Major—founder of Teton Science Schools (TSS) in 1967—when he began to take learners outside the classroom to teach science.

Fast forward a half-century, and you’ll see the TSS vision coming alive across not only the four campuses throughout Northwest Wyoming and Idaho but in learning environments around the country and world. TSS directly runs six program areas: Journeys School, Teton Valley Community School, Teacher Learning Center, Wildlife Expeditions, Field Education, and the Graduate Program. Together, these programs are not only transforming the way learning is happening but also changing how education and communities are related to each other. TSS “connects people, nature, and place through education, science, and stewardship.”

Journeys School and Teton Valley Community School incorporate place-based learning with an experiential, multi-aged, interdisciplinary, project-based curriculum. After 15 years of developing local curriculum through these two environments, TSS is now in the early stages of developing a global, digital network—connecting learning environments from around the world with the possibilities of incorporating one’s place into the learning experience. This digital network expands upon TSS’ current work at the Teacher Learning Center, which invites educators from near and far to explore, learn, and experiment with place-based strategies that they can take back to their own communities.

If that was all TSS did, it’d be safe to say their hands are full. But, that’s not even the half of it. Through a partnership with the Grand Teton National Park, they invite members of the local, national, and international community to partake in their Wildlife Expeditions and Field Education programs. These programs shine a spotlight on the interconnectedness of ecological landscapes and the power of place to engage and learn for those of all ages.

There is a unique cohort of adult learners who dive into this interconnection for an entire year. The TSS Graduate Program allows participants to earn 32 credits through a partnership with the University of Wyoming and other universities. As educators, they learn to become future leaders in place-based education with alumni in public and private schools, as well as non-profit organizations, around the world. The open-walled philosophy that guides all of the TSS programs envelops the Graduate Program and challenges learners to link curriculum and community to increase understanding, agency, and impact.

Each stakeholder—learners, parents, educators, graduate students, or community members—has an essential role in positively impacting local places and making Teton Science Schools’ mission come to life. Their powerful contribution can be seen in the non-stop innovation of TSS’ programs. As of this writing alone, they are getting ready to kick off two more pilot programs and have plans for others in the works. We can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.