Teachers on the Public Lands
The BLM Teachers on the Public Lands program gives teachers opportunities to work as interns on public lands during their summer breaks. The teachers work at BLM sites, where they observe resource management first-hand and develop lesson plans that employees, teachers, and community volunteers can use in the future.
When the teachers return to school in the fall, they share their program projects with their students. The teachers’ projects enrich students’ understanding and appreciation of the public lands. The teachers also have the opportunity to receive graduate and/or continuing education credits.
The program allows educators to have a curriculum based on real-life experience and strengthens connections between local schools and the BLM. At the end of the program, teachers and students have a better understanding of the role of the BLM and the management of public lands.
The partnership has resulted in the writing of lesson plans on such topics as climate change, marine biology, native plants, soils, hydrology, and riparian habitats.
Teachers on the Public Lands program began in 2014 through a BLM partnership with the University of Colorado - Denver.
In the following video, Eileen Davis -- a Teacher on Public Lands participant -- shares her experiences working in the Las Cruces, New Mexico area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can join the program?
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Each year, different BLM locations host a licensed classroom teacher as their Teacher on the Public Lands, depending on the needs of the sites. Participating sites recruit and enroll their teachers locally and individually.
- What is the timeframe of the program?
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The program runs June – August.
- What is the time commitment?
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Teachers commit to 160 hours of site experience, project development and online coursework throughout the summer.
- Is there a cost to enroll?
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There is no cost for participating teachers to enroll. All course credit fees are covered by the program.
- What types of projects are expected?
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The project is mutually beneficial and agreed upon between the teacher and participating site depending on needs and interests. Past projects have included: field trip guides, lesson plans, traveling education trunks and educational events.
- Do I live at the BLM site?
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This program is not a residential experience. Each participating location coordinates with the teacher to determine the best schedule for on-site activities.
- What are the benefits of the program?
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Upon program completion, teachers earn 3-hours of graduate credit through University of Colorado Denver and a professional development stipend. The program also provides teachers with place-based learning experiences and the BLM employees with expertise and mentorship from teachers on the development of public lands education programs and services.
- How can I learn more?
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Contact: kids@blm.gov
