Bear's Web Education Philosophy

The Bear’s Web is about building deep connections—within ourselves, with each other, and with the more-than-human world. We believe that when students and staff experience their place in the web of life, they naturally develop caring, respect, gratitude, and a sense of reciprocity. We teach that no being is better than another, and that all creatures have value and purpose. This awareness fosters empathy, equity, and environmental responsibility rooted in relationship and reverence for life.

Our teaching approach is rooted in Coyote Teaching, where curiosity drives learning and the Earth is the primary teacher. We create experiences that invite wonder, then ask open-ended questions that lead students to explore, observe, and reflect more deeply. Instead of giving quick answers, we encourage students to look closer and stay in relationship with the living world. This keeps learning alive and grounded in mutual respect and reciprocity.

We believe that connection grows through play, storytelling, shared experience, and mentorship. Teachers learn alongside students, spending one-on-one time, offering challenges, celebrating strengths, and supporting personal growth. When problems arise, we seek solutions together. Students are trusted to make choices, explore, and learn from experience—unless safety is a concern.

Ultimately, our goal is to foster self-trust, intuition, problem-solving, and a sense of belonging. Through relationship-based, nature-centered learning, students develop not just knowledge but care, gratitude, reciprocity, and respect—for themselves, their community, and the whole living Earth.