Future Ready Schools
Visi n
We are working to ensure that all students, no matter their resources, have access to an engaging, hands-on education that transforms their lives.
Paving Pathways for Tomorrow
At Out Teach, we believe that shaping future-ready schools begins with empowering students, teachers, and communities to see learning through a new lens. Our approach is driven by three core pillars, each uniquely contributing to a vibrant, real-world education that prepares students to thrive in the world ahead:
Open the Outside Spark Inspiration
Change what’s Possible
A message from our leadership
This past year has proven that when we remain bold, curious, and deeply committed to creating real change for the school communities we serve, incredible things happen. Our mission — and our vision for the future — remain crystal clear: to empower 10,000 teachers and 250,000 students by 2025 with hands-on science learning that prepares them to lead in a rapidly changing world.
The need for early science education is more pressing than ever. As we face an evolving future, the call for problem-solvers and innovators who can tackle the challenges ahead is louder than ever. At Out Teach, we’re determined to make this shift possible by bringing learning outdoors—where students don’t just learn about science; they do science.
T his year, we expanded our reach by developing and piloting new professional learning experiences, designed as learning journeys, that will soon be available to any teacher, anywhere. The first of these, Fundamentals of Science Outdoors, provides elementary school teachers with hands-on, adaptable strategies that drive curiosity and critical thinking. And we built 24 new Outdoor Learning Labs — transformative spaces that inspire a lifelong love for STEM and create cultures of engagement and discovery. We’ve seen how our partnerships ignite student-centered learning and equip schools to become truly future-ready.
As you explore the pages of this report, you’ll see why this work matters. Beyond the numbers, you’ll discover stories of impact—of teachers re-energized, students inspired, and communities transformed. Because shaping future ready schools requires more than just new programs or quick fixes. It calls for all of us to rethink and reshape the traditional boundaries of education. We’re inspired by the teachers who show up for their students, the partners who stand with us, and the donors who make it possible for us to go outside expectations.
To everyone championing this work with us, thank you. Together, we’re opening doors so that every child has access to an education that prepares them for a lifetime of possibility.
With gratitude,
Jeanne McCarty CEO
Levine
Nicole Levine Board Chair
From curious to mini scientists in no time
For Ms. Joanna Rodriguez, the science lead at Highland Meadows Elementary in Dallas, Texas, teaching has always been about sparking a love of learning that lasts. But like so many teachers, she’s felt less prepared when it comes to science with limited training opportunities, resources, and time. That changed when she joined the first cohort of teachers participating in Out Teach’s new tech-enabled learning journey, Fundamentals of Science Outdoors. It was unlike any other professional learning experience she’d had because the coaching was flexible, interactive, and tailored to her needs, and the strategies she learned were easy to implement right away.
It didn’t feel like typical training. “It was a game-changer,” Ms. Joanna shared with a smile. She recalled traditional professional learning as “doodles in notebooks and binders of ideas” — useful but often disconnected from the practicalities of everyday teaching. This was different. The Out Teach program gave her ready-to-go, real-world strategies that made science tangible. “It was like they handed me the IKEA furniture already assembled!” she laughed, capturing how seamless and immediately helpful the resources were.
Explore how Out Teach’s new professional learning is reshaping teaching.
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From curious to mini scientists
in no time
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Ms. Joanna didn’t just receive lesson plans; she had a coach who helped her bring them to life. The hands-on support, real-time feedback, and opportunities for reflection became her “little cheat codes” for teaching success. And the results were immediate. “My students went from curious to mini scientists in no time.” Even under the Texas sun, they explored ecosystems, asked deep questions, and shared their discoveries with pride.
For Ms. Joanna, seeing students who were usually quiet ask questions and take ownership over their learning was remarkable. “I felt like the cooler, more fashionable Bill Nye!” she joked, delighting in the joy of watching her students become so confident.
But the impact of the new learning experience didn’t stop at resources and lesson plans. It fostered a sense of community among teachers. Ms. Joanna felt inspired by her cohort, a group of educators equally passionate about taking their teaching to another level. “We bonded so well,” she said, explaining how this network has become a steady source of ideas and encouragement. Today, she’s expanded her toolkit, using nature notebooks and connecting reading with science to deepen her students’ understanding of STEM concepts.
Brielle Siskin, Out Teach’s VP of Innovation, explains that stories like Ms. Joanna’s have been key to shaping the evolution of our professional learning experiences. “It shows how technology can bring flexibility and accessibility to professional development, without losing the personal connection that makes coaching meaningful,” Brielle shares. Out Teach’s learning journey offers teachers like Ms. Joanna support that adapts to their needs, giving them the tools and strategies to inspire and prepare tomorrow’s innovators.
For Ms. Joanna, and so many others, it’s a foundation for lasting impact, helping them make each lesson a building block for greatness.
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I felt like the cooler, more fashionable Bill Nye!
Landscape of possibility at Harry Stone
Harry Stone Montessori Academy, a close-knit community in Dallas, Texas, took a big step this year to re-imagine learning for its students by bringing education outdoors. Led by Principal Niki Jones, the school worked with Out Teach to create an Outdoor Learning Lab that aligns beautifully with Montessori principles. Now, hands-on exploration, curiosity, and student-guided discovery are woven right into the school’s landscape, helping them learn from the world around them.
Ms. Jones reflects on the school’s transformation with pride, noting that the partnership began thanks to a recommendation from district leaders who envisioned this innovative step for Harry Stone.
“The outdoor lab has given us a space where students can engage deeply and freely with their learning,” she shares. Principal Jones knew the Outdoor Learning Lab would harmonize with Montessori values, creating an environment where students’ natural curiosity would thrive.
Built with care to reflect Montessori’s themes, Harry Stone’s Outdoor Learning Lab offers something unique in every corner. Sammy Wren, Out Teach’s designer, infused the space with features like “listening tubes” to explore sound, “word poles” for language practice, and raised garden beds where students learn about science and sustainability.
Landscape of possibility at Harry Stone
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There’s even a small stage for theatrical arts, which blends Harry Stone’s focus on creativity with opportunities for self-expression. “It was important that every piece here resonates with the Montessori approach,” says Mr. Wren. “The community came together to ensure it reflected the school’s spirit and values.”
More than just a physical space, the outdoor lab has reshaped teaching and learning at Harry Stone. Through Out Teach’s personalized coaching, teachers have grown confident bringing their lessons outside, where every subject—from science and math to literacy— has become a hands-on, interactive experience. “It’s a shift from the traditional approach to a more exploratory one,” Sammy explains. “We worked closely with teachers to help them adapt and embrace this new way of teaching.”
The lab has quickly become a favorite spot for students, who dive into each activity with excitement. Principal Jones sees how their confidence has grown, noting that the transformation is as much cultural as it is physical. “Our students are seeing themselves and their potential in new ways,” she says. “They’re becoming bold, inquisitive learners, ready to ask questions and explore the world.”
For Harry Stone, the outdoor lab is a gateway to forward-thinking learning. As Principal Jones puts it, “This space helps us fulfill our mission to foster independent, inquisitive minds. We’re building a foundation for learning that will stay with our students well beyond their years here.” With every lesson, discovery, and day spent outdoors, Harry Stone Montessori Academy is shaping a brighter future, one inspired student at a time.
They’re becoming bold, inquisitive learners, ready to ask questions. . .
18 Minutes to impact: Districts tackle the science challenge
Asschoolspreparestudentsforaworldrichwithtechnology and complex challenges, science education plays a more criticalrolethanever.Butforyearsit’sbeensidelined,with elementarystudentsacrossthecountryreceivingonaverage just 18 minutes of science instruction per day. However, someschooldistrictsareworkinghardtochangethis, committedtobringingsciencebackintofocusbymaking itmoremeaningfulandrelevanttotheirstudents’lives. And for many of these districts, Out Teach is an invaluable partner,supportingteacherswiththeconfidence,tools,and inspiration they need to lead the transformation.
Districts like Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) are paving the way for a fresh approach to scienceeducation–onethatputshands-on,real-worldlearningatthe forefront. Papillon Little, K-5 Science Coordinator for APS, believes the key to closing the science gap starts with empowering teachers.
“They need training that’s not only effective but engaging and accessible,” Mr. Little says. “Out Teach gives us that. Their coaches arefellowteacherswhoprovidetheunderstandingandsupportour educators need to make a real difference.”
Out Teach’s professional learning programs are carefully crafted with teachers’ needs in mind, offering flexible, high-quality support without
18Minutestoimpact: Districtstacklethesciencechallenge
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adding to their workload. Teachers learn to integrate science naturally into subjects like math and literacy, making it part of everything they do. “When teachers are confident teaching science,” Mr. Little explains, “it stops being a standalone subject and becomes a vital part of every lesson, every day.”
In Washington, D.C., DCPS is also embracing a future-forward approach to science that connects students with the world around them. Corie Colgan, Chief of Teaching and Learning at DCPS, has seen the difference this shift can make. “Out Teach’s Outdoor Learning Labs equip our teachers with the right tools to design real-world learning experiences,” Ms. Colgan shares. “It helps students dive deeply into complex ideas, building a foundation for lifelong learning.” DCPS teachers are weaving science into broader learning goals, making every lesson relevant and interconnected.
For district leaders like Ms. Colgan, the aim isn’t just to meet academic standards; it’s about encouraging students to trust themselves, take charge of their learning and think like scientists. Out Teach’s Outdoor Learning Labs are at the heart of the vision, transforming schoolyards across Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Maryland and Washington D.C. into dynamic spaces where subjects come alive. Teachers guide students in real-world experiments and outdoor explorations that engage their curiosity. “It’s more than learning science,” Ms. Colgan adds. “It’s about problem-solving skills that will last a lifetime.”
Out Teach tailors each district partnership to address the unique needs of its teachers and students. By making science a central part of daily learning, districts like APS and DCPS are redefining what it means to prepare students for the future. They’re creating environments where today’s learners are not just absorbing ideas but are inspired to become the creators of tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
It’s about problem-solving that will last a lifetime. ” “
Building spaces that inspire!
Imagine a world where classrooms expand beyond walls, where learning isn’t bound by screens alone, and where the world itself inspires every lesson. This is the vision we hold close at Out Teach — a vision of students who are deeply curious, actively engaged, and building the skills they’ll need to thrive in the future.
This past year, Out Teach took bold steps toward that reality by installing 24 Outdoor Learning Labs across Georgia, North Carolina, Texas and Washington, D.C. In these spaces, learning comes to life, empowering schools and communities to reimagine what classrooms look like. Each new Outdoor Learning Lab seeds the possibility that grows a new generation, confident, capable, and ready for the challenges ahead.
24 outdoor learning labs
21K students impacted
None of this would be possible without the incredible network of people bringing these spaces to life. With heartfelt gratitude, we acknowledge the many hands and hearts — supporters, educators, volunteers, and corporate partners — who help us inspire and equip future-ready students in communities everywhere.
99 % of teachers gained new skills and knowledge that improved student learning outcomes.
95 % of teachers felt confident and ready to teach science outdoors after planning sessions.
94 % of teachers strengthened their teaching practices, with 82% improving in multiple areas.
the Numbers
Teachers value our professional learning:
Teachers fully prepared to integrate ELA and science grew by 89% Our professional learning makes a difference for teachers and students
Teachers fully prepared to integrate math and science grew by 120%
Behind Out Teach’s
mission is a powerhouse of board and team members who work passionately to empower schools and inspire the next generation of problem solvers. Together, we bring diverse expertise and shared purpose to transform learning.
Board of Directors
NicoleLevine Board Chair
KellyHatcherTurner Board Secretary & Governance Committee Chair
JamesFerri Finance Committee Chair
Tom Fry Revenue Committee Chair
KellyGarrett Program Committee Chair
JohnKovac Innovation Committee Chair
Teresa Young Bernstein Board Member
PeggyBrookins Board Member
HankHarris Board Member
BoardofDirectors,RegionalBoardMembers withintheperiod7/1/2023through6/30/2024
Jeanne McCarty Board Member
Juliana Urtubey Board Member
Cynthia Wilson Board Member
Amy Wong Board Member
We want to thank the following volunteers who serve on our committees.
Beth Boulay Program
Leigh Cleaver Revenue
Vanessa Ford Program
Dr. Molly Weinburgh Program
Regional Advisory Boards North Carolina
John Hoke, Chair
Marcelo Alvarado
Danielle Gonderinger
Vanessa Naik
Robert Phocas
Sam Smith
Blair Stanford
Texas
Gabriella Norton, Chair
Robert Cardone
Dr. Reymundo Cervantes-Guajardo
Catherine Corrigan
Dexter Josh Freeman II
Luis Herrera
Dr. Olga Martinez Hickman
Wendy Mazur
Alice McMillan
Justin Thompson
Dr. Molly Weinburgh
The Out Teach Team
Luisa Avilés Instructional Coach
Carla Frazier Bah Program Coordinator
Erica Bearman Manager, Education Partnerships
Perla Bonilla Director, Education Partnerships
Whitney Buggs Director, Marketing
Barbra Buoy Grant Writer
Melissa Capets Instructional Coach
Edna Chirico Director, Government Affairs
Jessica Eisele Manager, Corporate Partnerships
Scott Feille Vice President, Programs
Brooke Freeman Landscape Architect, Project Associate
Sarah Gannon Instructional Coach
Daniela Garcia Manager, Corporate Partnerships
Staff members within the period 7/1/2023 through 6/30/2024
Jarri Goodman Instructional Coach
Allie Graybeal Director, Professional Learning
Teena Hine Director, Learning Design
Joaquina Scott Kankam Manager, Program Evaluation and Learning
Cynthia Kellett Manager, Education Partnerships
Wendy Kelly Instructional Coach
Suzannah Koilpillai Vice President, Partnerships and Growth
Michael Kuenlen Manager, Education Partnerships
Helen Li
Executive Project Associate, Office of the CEO
Jim Luft Instructional Coach
Jeanne McCarty
Chief Executive Officer
Katie McLean
Human Resources and Operations Associate
Jenna Mobley Instructional Coach
Claire Mooney Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Daniel Morgan Director, Strategic Initiatives
Jonathan Rivera Instructional Coach
Natalie Dhanoolal Rubio Instructional Coach
Jeff Schwarting
Controller
Brielle Siskin
Vice President, Innovation
Michael Smith
Director, Landscape Architecture, Outdoor Classrooms
Gary Templeman Director, Corporate Partnerships
Christine Tomasik
Associate Vice President, Philanthropy
Emma Unger
Project Associate
Christie Washington Systems Administrator
Jamie Wildgoose Coordinator, Partnerships and Growth
Sammy Wren
Senior Project Associate
2024 Financials
In 2019, Out Teach launched an ambitious $10M growth capital campaign to support our five-year strategic plan. Thanks to the enthusiastic support from our donors and partners, we have raised $9.25M to date and are close to achieving our goal. In FY2024, we deployed $2.3M of the growth capital raised and invested it in program innovation, strategic evidence building, and operational systems that will help us grow our impact and reach.
At the end of FY2024, we have nearly $3.4M in assets to fuel the remainder of our plan and support our annual operations. We will deploy growth capital to further expand our capacity to bring real-world science learning to teachers and students across the country. Together, we are not just imagining a better future for education — we’re building it. Thank you for helping us make the vision a reality.
Our funding is fueling bold initiatives that empower communities of educators and leverage technology to broaden our reach and deepen our impact.
Looking Ahead
As we close another year at Out Teach, we want to express our gratitude to each one of you — our donors, partners, champions, and friends — who work alongside us to shape future-ready schools.
To our valued partners: Thank you for your steadfast dedication to our mission. Exploretheextraordinarycontributionsofincrediblepartnerswhomakeourworkpossible.
This year, we saw the power of real-world learning take root across communities, helping 21,000students develop essential skills in inquiry, curiosity, and problem-solving across 84 schools. From piloting our first “Learning Journey” to expanding OutdoorLearning Labsto24schools, each success is a reflection of what we can achieve together. Your support has enabled us to empower 1,166teachers with innovative tools to make science accessible for all students, no matter their background. Thanks to you, students across the country are stepping outside to learn, explore, and connect with the world in profound ways.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue broadening our reach with professional learning opportunities in real-world math and early childhood education. And at the same time, we’re excited to deepen and sustain our impact for students and teachers.
Thank you for standing with us and believing in the transformative power of real-world learning, outdoors. Together, we’re not just shaping schools — we’re shaping futures.
Dream big!