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Forest School Teacher Institute has been a leader in training forest school teachers and directors since 2015, with over 1000 participants earning FSTI certification. The new FSTI Accreditation aims to provide further opportunities for collaboration, expansion and growth among forest and nature-based programs both nationally and internationally.Ā 

All organizations with at least one FSTI- trained team member are eligible to apply for accreditation. During this inaugural year ā€œcharter membersā€ will receive a discounted yearly fee of $420, which amounts to just $35 monthly.

Benefits for FSTI Accredited MembersĀ 

  • Exclusive Accredited Members online gatherings, held every other month to
    explore relevant topics
  • Additional Discounts for online training, in-person regional training, in-person
    on-site training, studio sessions, and other professional development
    opportunities as described on the website
  • Exclusive annual FS Leader Retreats to be held at various locations around
    the country: the first planned for early 2026Ā Ā 
  • Media kit, including use of FSTI branded name, logo, and supporting materials
  • Your organization'sĀ link on FSTI website
  • Your organization featured on social media
  • A dedicated welcome message to post on your websiteĀ 
  • Two one-hour zoom consultations at a discounted rate with a member of the
    FSTI Instructor or Leadership Team
  • Bi-Annual site visit for FSTI assessment and evaluation (in-person or virtual)
  • FS In-house Quality Control: self-assessment tools for directors, board members, staff and families
  • Increased networking opportunities with national and international FS
    teachers and directors

The Accreditation Process

  1. Complete and submit the online application, along with a $50 submission fee-- non-refundable and applied to the total accreditation fee.
  2. You will receive an email from the Accreditation Coordinator within 2 weeks of application submission to arrange an online or in-person interview. This meeting is to review next steps, including completion of the final questionnaire.
  3. Upon submission of the final questionnaire, applying organizations will be presented to the Accreditation Team for final approval.
  4. Once approved, and with full annual accreditation payment, you will receive the official Welcome Letter with the media kit, welcome message, and details for the other benefits listed above.

If you need more information or have questions, contact our Accreditation Coordinator, Mina Lombard: [email protected].Ā 

Initial Accreditation Application

Complete and submit the online application, along with a $50 submission fee-- non-refundable and will be applied to the total accreditation fee.