Learning Environment: Inspirational Actions, Approaches, and Stories from the Science Classroom

by Jared Fox

"Few people have the writing ability, education expertise, and thoughtfulness to write a book about the state of education. Jared is masterful in the classroom...and [his book] will change the landscape of education." —Dr. Christopher Emdin, New York Times best-selling author of For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood...and the Rest of Y'all Too

An award-winning environmental science teacher's actionable roadmap for educators interested in making the world a classroom, even in the city

Join award-winning New York City educator Dr. Jared Fox in—and out of—his classroom on an excursion that goes beyond books and lectures to reimagine teaching and learning. Through a blend of real-life examples and practical commentary, readers will see how Fox created learning opportunities out of canoeing on the Bronx River, hiking in the Catskill Mountains, and other unconventional approaches.

Replete with sample projects, topics, theories, and strategies, Learning Environment offers an actionable vision for reengaging students and reenergizing teachers. The book encourages K-12 STEM educators to build experiential learning into their teaching styles
designing field trips as field workpartnering with local expertsimplementing localized learning through hands-on applicationleveraging interdisciplinary instruction
Teachers can create dynamic educational opportunities by implementing experiential learning based in their own schools and communities. With Fox's heartfelt wisdom and practical know-how, they will be empowered to reconsider and redefine what teaching and learning can and should be.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Isabella Fante · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book and a must-read for teachers!! Jared Fox details a wide variety of ways to engage students in the classroom, employing project-based learning to connect the curriculum and standards to real-world applications. Throughout, he demonstrates how to truly center youth voice and choice, ensuring youth have agency in their learning. His teaching strategies support students in building 21st Century transferable skills - such as communication, collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking - within interdisciplinary focuses aligned to real-world environmental issues. His efforts to engage experts and bring his students to the source by leading intentionally planned field trips throughout the city elevate youth learning and build trust with students, showing that their learning is valuable and increasing the quality of youth work. In each chapter, Fox details the specific instructional tools he used while offering copious examples of what this looks like in practice, peppered with anecdotes that bring the learning environment he created to life.

Overall, Learning Environment offers concrete strategies while reminding educators of what is really important in the world of education. It is all too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day required objectives and teaching to the standardized tests. Jared encourages all educators to dig deep, reconnect to their passions, and bring that light into the classroom.

[Atlas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Beacon Press for the ARC of Learning Environment by Jared Fox 🌱📚

Okay y’all, this one is for the teachers, the science nerds, and anyone who believes school shouldn’t just be about fluorescent lights and worksheets. Dr. Jared Fox basically said: what if we took the Bronx River, the Catskills, and the whole dang city and turned them into a classroom? And then he actually did it.

Vibe Check: 🧪🌍👩🏻‍🏫
This book is equal parts love letter to teaching and practical handbook for how to stop teaching like it’s still 1985. Fox shows how to connect kids to their communities, to nature, and to real problems that matter. His students aren’t just “doing school,” they’re out here running environmental justice projects and presenting solutions to community leaders. Like, how is that not the blueprint?!

What I Liked:
✔️ Genuine stories from the classroom (not just theory, but lived experience)
✔️ Actual strategies teachers can use right away—like reflective circles, pre-field trip routines, and community partnerships
✔️ The way he empowers students to see themselves as scientists and advocates
✔️ It’s inspiring without being fluffy—there’s substance and practicality

What Didn’t Work for Me:
✖️ Sometimes felt more like a professional development text than a memoir—so if you’re not in education, you might zone out in spots
✖️ I wanted even more of the personal “behind the scenes” stories; the actionable stuff is great but the heart of this is Fox’s own journey

Tropes / Themes:
• Teacher inspiration 📖
• Community-based learning 🌇
• Environmental justice 🌿
• Experiential education 🚣

At the end of the day, Learning Environment is both motivating and useful. It made me wish I could go back and take Dr. Fox’s class myself (because my high school science labs were just frogs and worksheets, and that’s a tragedy).

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
A thoughtful, practical, and genuinely inspiring resource that will make teachers feel like they can breathe new life into their classrooms.

[Isabelle Giannella · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow New York City teacher who believes in hands-on, real-world learning, Jared Fox’s Learning Environment really resonated with me. The book is full of practical examples from Fox’s own teaching in NYC - taking students canoeing down the Bronx River, exploring the city’s sewers, and using the local environment as a true extension of the classroom. Fox is honest about the challenges, but he’s also clear about the rewards when you step outside traditional routines.
What stands out is his focus on genuine field work, building relationships with local experts, and always putting students in the role of active scientists and problem solvers. There are simple routines and routines described here, like starting class with an engaging “hook” or running reflective Socratic circles, that are both straightforward to implement and truly impactful. I especially appreciated the no-nonsense tips for getting students ready before field trips and making sure the experience doesn’t end when you get back to school.
You can see Fox’s commitment to connecting students to their neighborhood and turning them into advocates for change. The stories about students leading environmental justice projects and presenting real solutions to community members were especially motivating.
This isn’t just theory, it’s a book packed with strategies and routines teachers can use right away. If you work with students who need to see that science and learning matter in their own lives, Learning Environment is a book you’ll want on your desk.

[Meg Riordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared’s book is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we explore learning beyond the classroom walls and let the real world become a co-teacher. His stories show how local landscapes can spark students’ curiosity and inspire authentic projects and products. This is a must-read for educators looking to engage their students through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Jared doesn’t just inspire, he offers practical insights and equips you to take action.

[Debee Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I received this book today, I am so excited to share with my children and Grandchildren. Thank You ever so. Great book.
Be blessed always.-
Debee Sue

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Learning Environment: Inspirational Actions, Approaches, and Stories from the Science Classroom," by Dr. Jared Fox, is an ode to teaching in Washington Heights. His heartfelt text celebrates what local communities have to offer, harnessing the beauty of the natural landscape within a setting more frequently associated with urban development. His inspirational teaching practices provide students with “mirrors and windows,” galvanizing them to consider themselves both social and environmental justice warriors while providing rigorous content that paves the way for future academic success.

Notably, "Learning Environment" is also a practical resource, providing educators of all experience levels with applicable strategies for compelling interdisciplinary instruction. These include incorporating expert voices, tips for partnering with non-profits, examples of meaningful fieldwork, and strategies for celebrating student learning. His carefully researched text is a testament to a commendable and inspirational teaching career, as well as a guidebook for teachers seeking to foster student engagement in their own classrooms and communities. His suggestions are applicable to multiple environments and are especially helpful for science teachers working in community schools.

"Learning Environment" is a breath of fresh air, conveying the joy that goes hand in hand with authentic teaching and learning.