Bridget Taylor

I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Studies from the University of Montevallo and a Master’s in Elementary Education from IU Southeast. In 2020, I completed a Forest School Teacher and Director training with the Forest School Teacher Institute. I have worked as an environmental educator for students of all ages in many beautiful locations, including Costa Rica, Alaska, Alabama, and Maine. As an environmental educator, I facilitated field trips and camps that helped children understand their own connections to nature through rich, place-based experiences. I most recently managed education programs at the Louisville Nature Center. While there, I founded and directed Louisville’s first forest preschool in an urban area, Swallowtail Forest School. 

I have worked with various age groups throughout my career, and believe I have found my true niche in preschool. I truly love being a part of young children’s learning journeys, especially seeing them make awe-inspiring discoveries for the first time. I love that Chance utilizes emergent curriculum models, as I have seen firsthand the impact of choice on the level of learning that can take place. The progressive education model reflects philosophies that are deeply important to me: A child’s social and emotional growth must be attended to first, in order to cultivate a successful learning environment. By centering compassion and respect in the classroom, our children are allowed to reach their full potential - not only as learners but as the leaders and community members our world needs. 

You may have guessed that I am a huge proponent of outdoor learning! Nothing brings me more joy than digging in the dirt and collecting crawly critters with young children. Outdoor learning experiences give children a strong foundation in joy and presence, not to mention resilience and trust in their own bodies. I have seen children nervous about climbing on top of a stump become skilled at walking along a fallen log “balance beam,” confidently aware of their own abilities. The resilience children gain from playing in all weather is astounding as well. I truly believe that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!

Chance School lives and breathes the values that are the backbone of my teaching philosophy. Besides being a passionate teacher, I love camping, hiking, traveling, spending time with family, and settling in with a good book.