Word Up welcomes award-winning New York City educator Dr. Jared Fox to discuss Learning Environment: Inspirational Actions, Approaches, and Stories from the Science Classroom, an actionable roadmap for educators interested in making the world a classroom, even in the city. In conversation with Dr. Fox will be Erick Espin, a fellow WHEELS teacher and Northern Manhattan native.

“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”

This event is a $5 suggested donation ticket with 30 max attendees. Please register in advance.

In compliance with Word Up Community Safety guidelines, all attendees for this event must wear a mask inside.

Word Up Community Bookshop is located at 2113 Amsterdam Ave. (& 165th St.) in Washington Heights, NYC. You can take the 1 train to 168th St and the A/C train to 163rd or 168th  St.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jared Fox is an award-winning educator and former secondary science teacher, department chair, coach, mentor, and instructional leadership team member currently working as an independent education consultant at the intersection of science, the environment, and social justice. Other published works include his writing as a chapter author in From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood: Reflections on Race, Culture, and Identity, edited by Dr. Christopher Emdin and sam seidel; Learning Environment – The Substack; and a growing list of academic journals. Additional information and opportunities to connect with Jared can be found at www.jaredfox.education.

ABOUT THE CONVERSATION PARTNER

Born and raised in Washington Heights-Inwood, Erick Espin is a history teacher and Crew Advisor at WHEELS, a NYC Outward Bound School in Washington Heights, and has spent the past 12 years at the school, aiming to be the teacher he wishes he’d had by building relationships with students and designing inclusive curricula. He recently earned EL Education’s most prestigious teacher recognition, The Klingenstein Award