Lauren MacLean is an elementary school teacher, accomplished author, and outdoor learning consultant whose work celebrates the joy of connecting with nature. Her picture books—Me and My Sit Spot, Finding Common Ground, and Risky Play Gone Away—inspire young readers to explore, take risks, and build meaningful relationships with the outdoors. Her educator’s guide, Sitting With Nature: An Educator’s Guide to Sit Spots, equips teachers with strategies to bring learning outside.

As the Teach Outdoors podcast host, Lauren shares practical tips and conversations with educators who champion outdoor learning. As a former educator at Soaring Eagle Nature School, she deeply understands place-based learning, social-emotional development, and play-based exploration.

Lauren is passionate about integrating math and storytelling in nature, fostering curiosity and social-emotional competencies through outdoor experiences. She is dedicated to ensuring that everyone feels welcome, that they see themselves reflected in outdoor spaces, and that inclusive planning practices create opportunities for all learners to connect with the natural world.