Reno Educator Ryan Brock Honored as Outdoor Teacher of the Year
Reno Educator Ryan Brock Honored as Inaugural Nevada Outdoor Teacher of the Year
RENO, Nev. – The Outdoor Education Council is proud to announce Ryan Brock, a recently retired fifth-grade teacher in Reno, as the recipient of the 2026 Nevada Outdoor Teacher of the Year Award.
For more than two decades, Brock taught at Jessie Beck Elementary School in Reno, connecting Nevada students with the outdoors through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that prioritize time outside the traditional classroom and in nature. His commitment to outdoor education has provided thousands of students with opportunities to explore Nevada’s wildlife, ecosystems and wild places.
Brock has long been an advocate for access to outdoor learning and has spent countless hours outside the classroom securing grant funding to provide meaningful outdoor experiences for his students without placing a financial burden on students and their families. For more than 15 years, Brock has secured funding to send every fifth-grade student at his school on a four-day, three-night camping trip. For many students, the experience is their first time camping.
“Outdoor education gives students opportunities to learn in ways they simply can’t experience inside a classroom,” said Denice Beronio, Administrator of the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation. “Ryan has spent years creating those opportunities for his students, and we’re excited to recognize the lasting impact he has made through outdoor education.”
Brock’s commitment to outdoor education extends beyond the classroom through a variety of extracurricular opportunities. He has championed school programs including archery, nature photography and wildlife conservation clubs. His students have participated in activities ranging from wildlife observation and ecological investigations to learning about ethical hunting and fishing, habitat conservation and responsible resource use. The lessons and skills students gain through these experiences often stay with them long after they leave Brock’s classroom.
Brock has also helped expand outdoor education opportunities throughout Northern Nevada. He has been an influential organizer of several large-scale outdoor education events, including the Nevada Outdoor Experience in Carson City and the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience, held as part of the annual Sheep Show in Reno. These events provide hands-on experiences for thousands of students and families, introducing them to conservation, wildlife, outdoor recreation and careers connected to natural resources.
For his immense dedication, creativity and persistence in helping generations of Nevada students develop stronger connections to Nevada’s wildlife and wild places, the Outdoor Education Council is honored to recognize Ryan Brock as the 2026 Nevada Outdoor Teacher of the Year.
The Nevada Outdoor Teacher of the Year Award was established by the Outdoor Education Council in 2026 to recognize Nevada educators who make outdoor learning an important part of their students’ educational experience. The award recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to outdoor education and inspire students to develop a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. Brock is the first educator to receive the award.