Our Educators

The best in their field

Our staff of highly skilled field educators is key to the success of NatureBridge. Equipped with a wealth of experience, education, and training, our educators change lives by creating dynamic programs that foster connections in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Who are they? 

Our field science educators have years of teaching experience in outdoor and environmental education programs and a contagious enthusiasm for exploring the natural world.

All of our educators have:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Wilderness First Responder certification
• Passion about teaching, youth, and the environment

Many of our educators:

• Have worked as national park rangers or as certified classroom teachers
• Have traveled or lived abroad, volunteering for organizations or studying foreign languages
• Currently serve as educators, musicians, photographers, poets, birders, artists, athletes, and more

Educator Spotlight - Amy Osborne

“I love teaching at NatureBridge because of the joyful looks on the faces of students who attend our programs.”– Amy Osborne

Amy, a Marietta, Ohio, native, has been teaching students for more than nine years. She got her start working for Arlington County Public Schools in Virginia. While working in the classroom for six years, Amy watched her students thrive in outdoor settings. She witnessed her students' increased curiosity and watched them form connections with nature. In addition to the positive impacts on her students, she found personal value and decided that teaching environmental education was the perfect fit for her passions. Amy earned her bachelor’s degree at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, where she majored in political science. She also holds a master’s degree in English from Washington College as well as a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. She holds a certificate in Environmental and Outdoor Education from the Teton Science Schools, in Kelly, Wyoming.

“Without a doubt, [NatureBridge’s] teaching staff is central to the success of field science programs. They are a principal motivation behind participating teachers’ decisions to attend. Their content knowledge, passion, and creativity in working with children are outstanding.” — 2000 Stanford Evaluation, Final Report

“Every time I come, which now spans more than 20 years, I am amazed by the strength of your instructors. The quality of their lessons and planning and their management of focus and behavior are superb.” — Suz Walker, Woodside Elementary