“Few people have the writing ability, education expertise, and thoughtfulness to write a book about the state of education. Jared is masterful in the classroom . . . and [his book] will change the landscape of education.”—Dr. Christopher Emdin, New York Times best-selling author of For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood . . . and the Rest of Y’all Too
An award-winning environmental science teacher’s actionable roadmap for educators interested in making the world a classroom, even in the city
Join award-winning New York City educator Dr. Jared Fox in—and out of—his classroom on an excursion that goes beyond books and lectures to reimagine teaching and learning. Through a blend of real-life examples and practical commentary, readers will see how Fox created localized learning opportunities for his students out of canoeing on the Bronx River, hiking in the Catskill Mountains, and other unconventional approaches.
Replete with sample projects, topics, theories, and strategies, Learning Environment offers an actionable vision for reengaging students and reenergizing teachers. The book encourages K–12 STEM educators to build experiential learning into their teaching styles by:
- designing field trips as fieldwork
- partnering with local experts
- implementing localized learning through hands-on application
- leveraging interdisciplinary instruction
Fox invites teachers to create dynamic, transformative educational opportunities by implementing experiential learning based in their own communities. With Fox’s heartfelt wisdom and practical know-how, readers will be empowered to reconsider and redefine what teaching and learning can and should be.
“The inspirational story of an award-winning public school teacher who trusts and empowers his students to change the world. Jared Fox pulls back the curtain to reveal the teaching practices that ignited his students’ motivation and commitment to quality work—transformational practices that can improve any classroom.”
—Ron Berger, author of Leaders of Their Own Learning: Transforming Schools Through Student-Engaged Assessment
“In Learning Environment, award-winning high school science teacher Jared Fox shares his passion, his wisdom, and a rich array of powerful teaching practices aimed at joyfully engaging students in understanding and building a world of environmental justice. Read this book for inspiration and for ideas you can realize immediately with your classes.”
—Tom Roderick, author of Teach for Climate Justice: A Vision for Transforming Education
“While many educators talk about ‘breaking down the classroom walls,’ Dr. Fox provides compelling stories to demonstrate the theories and practices behind this approach. His classroom case study effectively reveals how he transformed his students into ‘community scientists’ who advocate for change when confronted with authentic scientific challenges that impact their lives.”
—Thomas Rochowicz, deputy superintendent, NYC Public Schools
“Jared Fox details his approach to curriculum design that helps students develop research skills and become creators and potentially activists on the challenges impacting their communities. He discusses the development of professional collaborations that support students in expeditionary learning that builds their knowledge on local issues that impact their lives.”
—Peggy M. Shepard, executive director, WE ACT for Environmental Justice
“Do educators have a responsibility to help their students fully engage with their world and the history that influenced it, with all its flaws, treasures, and potential so that the students themselves have the tools and mindsets to power a better future for themselves and their community? Jared Fox’s lyrically accessible memoir and instructional manual gives compelling reasons to believe that the world would be a better place because of it.”
—Majora Carter, urban revitalization strategist, MacArthur Fellow, and author of Reclaiming Your Community: You Don’t Have to Move Out of Your Neighborhood to Live in a Better One
Foreword
Introduction: It’s Time to Go to School
Author’s Note
ONE
Field Trips, Localized Learning, and Students as Scientists:
A Professional Development Journey
TWO
The Hook and the Circle:
Routines for Student Engagement, Thinking, and Dialogue
THREE
An Exploration of New York City’s Water Supply:
The Pursuit of Passionate Pedagogy
FOUR
Experts in the Classroom:
Authenticity, Relevance, and Rigor
FIVE
Exploring City Sewers:
Adding Science Labs and Systems Thinking to the Methodological Mix
SIX
The Critical Examination of a Harbor’s Health:
A Deep Dive into Data and the Creation of Community Scientists
SEVEN
In Pursuit of Environmental Justice:
The Power of Professional Partnerships
EIGHT
Shifting Baselines and Gazes:
A Focus on Hyperlocal Learning
NINE
The Classroom Is Your Oyster:
Actualizing Educational Philosophies and Frameworks
TEN
Maps and Apps:
Preparing Students for College and Career
ELEVEN
From Isolated Islands to a Connected Archipelago:
A Cross-Classroom Approach
TWELVE
Celebrate Your Success:
An Antidote for Burnout and Demoralization
Appendices
After the Classroom
Actions and Approaches for Connecting Classrooms to the Real World
Acknowledgments
Notes
Index
- “Note,” Adrian Neibauer, Substack endorsement