History
Our Origin Story
Out Teach's story has always been one of vision, passion, and dedication to transforming the way children learn. The organization was once called REAL School Gardens, and before that, the REAL Schools Initiative. Our roots trace back to the mid-90s, when Texas-based philanthropist Richard Rainwater and his high school friend Suzy Peacock began brainstorming ways to make a lasting difference in the lives of children. Their shared commitment to education and the environment led them to embark on a journey that has since promoted a compelling vision for education, supported tens of thousands of teachers, and changed countless young lives.
From 1995 to 2003, the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, with Suzy at the helm, invested in building outdoor classrooms, including those at Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center and Morningside Elementary in Fort Worth, Texas. These gardens weren't just beautiful spaces—they became living classrooms, sparking curiosity and a love for learning in students.
Between 2003 - 2007, Suzy and co-founder Stacey Hodge, along with dedicated teachers and principals, and an education team at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), took the initiative further. They built more learning gardens and developed a teacher training and support program to ensure these outdoor classrooms would thrive for years to come. Their efforts touched 34 partner schools, most of which remain part of our growing network today.
In 2007, recognizing the powerful impact of hands-on, real-world learning outdoors, Richard and Suzy decided to establish a nonprofit to expand this initiative in Texas and across the country. They hired Jeanne McCarty, who had made her mark with Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program. Jeanne’s leadership helped shape our real-world outdoor curriculum and robust teacher training program. She also pioneered our “Big Dig” events—one-day garden installation projects that bring together corporate and community volunteers to create inspiring outdoor learning spaces.
Though we were deeply saddened by Suzy's passing in 2009 and Richard's in 2015, their legacy lives on in every child who discovers the wonders of outdoor learning. Their support helped lay the foundation for what we have become today.
Our journey has been made possible by the incredible contributions of so many, including our dedicated staff, educators, and partners. We are especially grateful to our original staff and founding volunteers, including:
Kelly Garrett, a founding and current member of our board
Pat Harrison, former VP and Director of Education at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT)
Stacey Hodge, whose passion led to the founding of this organization after she designed the garden at Sam Rosen Elementary.
Terri McGuire, our first COO who played a pivotal role in organizing us for growth.
Sandy Neumann, an organizational consultant who helped us evolve as a team.
Charlotte Sassman, a former teacher who helped us find our voice.
Eric Vanderbeck, known as "the incredible Mr. V," one of our first Instructional Coaches who inspired children with the magic of the outdoors.
The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), a founding partner.
The first 34 elementary schools in North Texas that were pioneers.
And all the teachers, principals, and education leaders who served on our ACORNS Advisory Board.