About This Episode

Season 7. Episode 20.

In this episode of Education Insight, Lacey Kendall sits down with Chris Bessonette, Head of School at Mountain Academy, part of Teton Science Schools in Wyoming, where students learn far beyond the traditional classroom setting. Surrounded by the natural landscapes of Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the local community, students engage in an educational model that blends academic learning with real-world experiences.

Chris shares how outdoor education differs from the occasional field trip, explaining how nature serves as an essential part of the curriculum rather than simply a backdrop for learning. The conversation explores how subjects like science, math, writing, and history are woven into immersive experiences that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Chris also discusses how students continue to achieve strong academic outcomes while developing skills that prepare them for life beyond school.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member interested in innovative approaches to learning, this episode offers valuable insights into how schools can create meaningful educational experiences by connecting students with the world around them.

Featured Guests

Chris Bessonette

Head of School, Jackson Campus, Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools

Biography

Chris’s path, like a great hiking trail, has been full of twists and turns. Originally from a small town in western Oregon, he has lived in Austria, California, and Germany, teaching outdoor education and working in independent schools. Chris first moved to Jackson to teach at Teton Science Schools’ Journeys School. After fourteen years teaching at a dual language immersion public school, he will now lead Mountain Academy as the Head of School. Chris received a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wyoming.

Additionally, he studied language acquisition and holds an English as a Second Language teaching endorsement. He is also a National Board Certified Teacher, a National Geographic Certified Teacher, and was honored as a Milken Educator in 2018. An avid adventurer, he has guided expeditions for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) as a backpacking and rock climbing instructor. Chris recently completed a new educational adventure by studying bilingual education in Taiwan on a Fulbright teacher research program. He lives in Jackson, Wyoming, with his wife and teenage son.