Sierra Outdoor School Naturalists
We, the Naturalists at Clovis Unified School District’s Sierra Outdoor School (SOS), are proud to be part of the Association of Clovis Educators (ACE). Our decision to join ACE was simple: we need more resources, stronger support, and a greater voice in the decisions that impact our work as outdoor educators.
Since Clovis Unified took over Sierra Outdoor School (formerly the Regional Learning Center) in 1988, our program has grown to serve over 12,500 visitors each year. But with that growth, our responsibilities have expanded beyond our core mission—providing students with exceptional outdoor learning experiences. We juggle multiple roles, from leading over 3,000 classes in science, adventure, and history to mentoring interns, handling birds of prey, and operating our challenge course. And unlike most educators in Clovis Unified, we work 136 miles away from the district office, serving not just Clovis students but also children from 87 other districts, including Fresno, Sanger, and Madera Unified.
Despite the vital role we play, our remote location and the unique challenges of serving multiple districts place additional demands on us. That’s why we joined ACE—so we can advocate for the resources and support we need to continue providing high-quality outdoor education.
As Clovis Unified believes, “It’s people, not programs, that make the positive difference for students.” By coming together through ACE, we are strengthening our ability to fulfill that mission. Our work is about more than just teaching—it’s about connecting students with the natural world. Unionizing with ACE empowers us to overcome logistical challenges and focus on what matters most: inspiring and educating thousands of students each year.
We are excited to be part of ACE and look forward to working together to ensure that Sierra Outdoor School remains a place where students can experience the wonders of outdoor learning for generations to come.
