Herbert W. Broda

Herbert W. Broda is a professor emeritus of education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Ashland University in Ohio. He teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses with an emphasis on middle school education, instructional methods, and outdoor/experiential education.

He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Ohio State University and his doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction from Kent State University. His long career in teaching includes experiences as a sixth-grade teacher, resident outdoor education program teacher and codirector, conservation summit faculty at the National Wildlife Federation, and environmental education summer workshop series faculty at Kent State.

"A genuine enthusiasm both for teaching in general, and the discipline in particular, is what brings a classroom alive,” says Herb. “Enthusiasm is infectious. It's hard to be around a person who is excited about a topic and not at least pause to give some thought to what is being said.”

Herb's areas of specialty include the use of the outdoors as an instructional tool, resident outdoor education, middle school education, instructional planning, place-based education, environmental education, and the use of the schoolyard as an instructional tool.

"Professional development needs to be ongoing throughout a career, and should consider the career stages, as well as the perceived needs and interests of teachers. The implementation of new ideas requires the provision of learning options that consider the differing needs of teachers. It's critical that teachers be an active part of the staff development planning process."

As reflected in his books Schoolyard-Enhanced Learning and Moving the Classroom Outdoors, Herb has a real passion for using the outdoors as a teaching tool. "I enjoy helping teachers explore ways to step outside and use nature in their teaching."

Herb and his wife, Janet, live in Ohio. They have three adult children—Emily, Matthew, and Michael—and thoroughly enjoy their roles as grandparents.