For Educators
  • Park ranger and two women crouching in a forest, smiling and observing the ground.
    • A park ranger in uniform shows animal pelts and skulls to two curious children under a wooden pavilion. The scene conveys educational engagement.

    Tennessee Educator Programs

    Tennessee State Parks is committed to providing educational programs for students.

    We offer opportunities for school outreach, field trips, or overnight learning. We make outdoor learning safe and fun! 

    Submit a Request

    How To Request a Program

    Tennessee State Parks allows school groups to make program reservations in advance. Each park provides unique programs specific to the natural resources and historic stories of its site. Programs align with Tennessee science or social studies standards and can be reserved months in advance.

    • 1.

      Choose the park.

      Explore our parks across the state.

    • 2.

      Identify the type of program of interest.

      Browse the program options. Each park features a dedicated For Educators page with detailed information about the educational programs offered.

    • 3.

      Complete the form.

      Request an educational experience using the online request form. Program requests use the same form whether you are requesting funding support or not. 

    Request a Program

    Why Choose a Tennessee State Parks Educational Program

    Science and Nature
    With Tennessee Educator Programs, students learn about the scientific phenomena and Tennessee’s history through interactive programs with trained staff. Whether looking to meet a native wildlife ambassador, explore a local creek, or walk in the shoes of Tennessee history, a Tennessee State Park is less than an hour away from most locations.

    Academic Standards
    Our programs support many Tennessee academic standards and help provide experiences that help students learn, grow and carry their knowledge into adulthood.

    Customizable For Any Age Group
    Our Tennessee Educator Programs are customizable for many age groups. Your students don’t have to be primary age students! Depending on your academic goals and your students’ capabilities, we can help customize a program to meet your needs.  

    • Ranger in creek looking at what child has caught in his hand

    Important Information

    • Programs are requested through the online form and scheduled with the individual park
    • Programs are requested at least six (6) weeks in advance
    • Groups of more than 40 will be divided into smaller, rotating groups
    • Groups of more than 100 are encouraged to divide into two (2) separate days
    • Programs have a participant limit of approximately 30 students
    • Self-guided park experiences are available for large groups needing multiple rotations
    • Programs require a teacher or chaperone-to-student ratio of 1:10
    • Shelters for lunch are available for reserve - Note the lunch shelter needs in your request form
    • Funding may be available to remove transportation and/or program fee barriers
    • Self-guided experiences aligned to academic standards are available to print and use at your convenience

    Funding Assistance

    • How to Request Funding

      Field trip funding may be available to remove barriers to participation. The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy (501-C3) assists schools in covering the costs of scheduled programs with a Tennessee State Park. Funds can cover bus transportation costs, park program fees, and park shelter rentals. Partial funds may be awarded. Awards are given after the field trip is completed.  

      When applying for a program, select “yes” on the application form to indicate you are interested in receiving funding support.

    • What's Next?

      Submitting the form begins the scheduling and funding process. The request will be in Pending status until confirmed. Allow ten (10) days for processing.  

      A park staff member will email confirmation of the program and notify you of any park-related fees.

      If you requested funding, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Director will email the decision to award or deny funding. Partial funds may be awarded. In this case, the school will be responsible for any costs above the amount written in the award email.

      Funding is processed after the program via reimbursement. 

    • Submitting For Funding Reimbursement

      To receive reimbursement, you must provide the following documentation:

      1. Bus invoice
      2. Park invoice
      3. Photos
      4. Number of students new to any Tennessee State Park
      5. Student and Teacher feedback

      Please allow ten days for processing.

      Apply for Reimbursement

    • Questions?

      Please contact the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Senior Advisor with questions at Gina.Hancock@tnstateparksconservancy.org or go to tnstateparksconservancy.org to access our contact sheet.

    • A female park ranger speaks to a seated group of children and teens beside a calm riverbank on a sunny day.

    Teacher-Led Experiences

    Teacher-led experiences are aligned with academic standards and provide step-by-step guidance on exploring the park.

    These are perfect for small self-guided groups, large groups in rotations, groups with a range of grade levels, and those looking for a self-guided experience at the park. Click and print from the selections below.

    Park-Specific Experiences

    Connect Through Distance Learning

    Looking to connect virtually?

    Learn about our growing distance learning options below. Virtual programs are designed to help further the mission of Tennessee State Parks and meet the needs of formal and informal educators. Whether through prerecorded videos, live presentations, experiences, or Q&A sessions, Rangers are at the ready!

    Submit a Request
    • Informational sign on trees in a lush forest setting. The sign features images and descriptions of different leaves. The scene is calm and educational.

    To learn more about Tennessee State Parks and access fun educational and interpretive videos,

    visit our Tennessee State Parks YouTube Page.

    Learn More
    • A group of students for Tennessee School for the Blind walk on a paved pathway with a park ranger

    Accessibility

    We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities, to engage fully.

    Learn More

    Inspiration

    Get Inspired

    Support the Conservancy

    By supporting the Conservancy, you directly support the Tennessee State Parks system. All donations to the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy are tax-deductible and go directly towards enhancing the State Parks system.
     

    Learn More