ECIS Embodied & Outdoor Learning SIG Webinar – For Educators: Inclusion through Nature Connection: 19 November

15:00 UK time

Facilitator: Karen Killeen

What can nature teach us about inclusion? Let’s bridge the gap between inclusive theory and classroom practice. Discover how nature can inspire fresh, practical strategies to support every learner to belong, participate and thrive.

Karen Killeen is an international educator, inclusion advocate, nature dweller, artist, presenter and storyteller Karen is currently studying for a Doctorate of Education (EdD) with the University of East Anglia, UK. Her thesis explores how we can reimagine the meaning of inclusion through our connection with nature. Her fieldwork findings are developing into 3 key areas: Nostalgia, Kinship and Appreciation. It builds on the work of greats including Nora Bateson, Robin Wall Kimmerer and Joanna Macy. A Forest School practitioner and presenter for nearly 20 years, she has successfully designed and delivered programmes in schools in the UK, China and Uganda and has presented these as case studies to an international audience.

As a Learning Support leader, these programmes have supported her diverse student community in areas including: wellbeing issues, higher support needs, neurodiverse, mobility difficulties and gifted and talented members. Karen’s thesis for her MA in Special and Inclusive Education measured the positive impact of reading outdoors on wellbeing and academic progress, and this confirmed her understanding of the benefits of learning about and in nature. Karen is based in Croatia and works as a Learning Support Teacher at the American International School of Zagreb. She describes her role as holding space for colleagues, students and their families to create inclusive communities.