'One of the many things that I have learned this year is that working with others will make any goal you are trying to reach all the more obtainable. While I am on 'lone island' teaching Outdoor Inquiry, I have never felt so involved with so many people! What I would like to share with you today are the benefits of community and to offer some tips on how to build your network. 1. Have a discussion with your administration or supervisor. If you do not already have a garden or outdoor class in place, request a meeting with your administration or supervisor. Let them know your plan and what goals you hope to accomplish. It all starts here! I am fortunate to have an extremely supportive administration team who was able to see the strong benefits of having a school garden program. We have built a trusting relationship because we all have the best interest of the students in our hearts. 2. Reach out to your school PTA or PTO group. They are here to support the school. If they are able, they can provide you with enough money to at least get the program started. Don't forget to check and see if they are tax exempt. Also, I was able to set up a separate garden account through my PTA. I turn in all received money to them and they are kind enough to keep track of it for me. Whenever I make a purchase, I just fill out the form and am quickly reimbursed. 3. Call local nurseries to see if they are willing to either donate or lower the price of plants and materials. You will be surprised at how willing they are to help out a school, especially if it is in your zone. Don't forget to let them know you will be sure to advertise where you received your donations! I have worked a lot with our local Lowe's Improvement. They are very good to us (See....I just advertised for them like I said I would). Done. 4. Team up with other teachers! I would be willing to bet that you are not the only teacher at your school that likes to garden. I have teamed up with our school art teacher on numerous occasions. She had the students form and paint clay pots and then I had them plant succulents into them. We were able to sell them to the parents and deposit the proceeds into our garden and art fund. Win Win! 5. Contact your local extension. Every state has local extension through one of the major universities. In South Carolina, ours is Clemson University. They have an enormous amount of resources for nearly every gardening question you could think of. And best of all, it is geared around your own state! While researching the materials, I found that our extension even offered a 5 week course that was all about educators starting a school garden. I took the course with 2 other teachers (because I reached out to them and it was great having support) and we learned all about setting up a school garden program. They even provided us with a curriculum with standard based lessons that all could be taught outdoors. We were able to attend a hands on conference in Charleston and met lots of other teachers who had the same goals as us. It was an amazing experience. 6. Find out who your local 4-H extension contact is. Most cities have a 4-H club and each area has their own contact person. These people are usually willing to help guide you through the process and will often even come to your school to teach lessons. Some schools even have an after-school 4-H club. Who have you reached out to and how have they helped you? Please comment below to let us know other ways to get help!
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