Environmental Science Teacher Honored with First Richard C. Bartlett Award
On Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007, the first-ever Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award was presented to Ms. Debra Weitzel at the North American Association for Environmental Education's Annual Conference in Virginia Beach.
Debra is an environmental science teacher at Middleton High School in Middleton, Wisconsin. She was chosen for this award because, as Mr. Bartlett said in his introductory comments, "Debra has shown not only that integrating environmental education into a core curriculum is possible, but also that it can really make a difference."
What are the secrets of her success?
Secret #1: Fusion of environment and real world experiences
Debra's career at Middleton began in 1978 when she taught a class called "Our Environment." Now, in 2007, Middleton High School's Principal, Dr. Denise Hemann, recognizes Debra's work as having "a far reaching scope to improve the environment in our region." Debra aided in the effective fusion of social and environmental studies into new curriculum for the school. This innovative collaboration recognizes that environmental issues involve social activities, public policy and economic tradeoffs, as well as science and technology.
She focuses on real world applications of environmental issues in her class, and her AP students are required to spend at least 12 hours volunteering for the environment. Each year close to 100 students take her class.
Debra arranges independent studies for students to gain in-depth experience in specialized fields ranging from urban storm management to broadcast journalism. Her classes have field trips including everything from a quick trip out on school property to an annual fall overnight camping trip.
Secret #2: Everyone is a resource
Debra works hard to form lasting partnerships with area organizations. She has sought out long-term relationships with these partners, ensuring that each new group of her students can add their new expertise to student projects from previous years.
She also calls on professionals to share their knowledge with her classes, and in some cases even act as mentors. Her commitment to providing outstanding environmental education has far-reaching effects as many of her former students are now environmental engineers, naturalists, urban planners, organic farmers, elected officials and environmental lawyers.
Secret #3: Learning first hand
Debra incorporates environmental stewardship in her life outside of the classroom. Personal practice provides her with more opportunities to learn about the daily applications of environmental choices. While her family does own a hybrid car, she still walks to school as often as possible. She also is Vice President of the Madison Audubon Society.
Debra sets as example with her lifestyle, in a green home that was built from reclaimed timber, with carpet made from recycled plastic bottles, and landscaping complete with a rain garden and "no-mow" fescue grass.
About the Bartlett Award
The Bartlett Award was established by the National Environmental Education Foundation to distinguish the teachers who best represent Richard C. Bartlett's passion for and leadership in environmental education. For more than 40 years, Richard C. Bartlett has been inspiring environmental educators nationwide.
"Engaging youth to learn about nature and the environment is important," says Bartlett. "Positive solutions to achieve a sustainable planet in the classroom with teachers like Debra Weitzel, who are true leaders in education."
As part of the National Environmental Education Foundation's ongoing commitment to fostering public-private partnerships, the award is sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "I am proud that through Toyota's sponsorship of the Richard C. Bartlett Award, we are able to make a growing contribution to both the environment and youth education," says J.L. Armstrong, National Manager, External Affairs, at Toyota Motor Sales and a board member of the National Environmental Education Foundation.
This year's winner was chosen from a group of 45 nominees in a process that included eight judges from the environmental education community. Debra was nominated by Janet Kane, a colleague from Friends of Pheasant Branch, a nonprofit conservancy group. The award guidelines stipulate that teachers meet the requirements of the Tbilisi Declaration, a universal set of principles that guide environmental education. For example, it is essential that educators:
- Foster a clear awareness of economic, social, political and ecological interdependence;
- Provide opportunities to acquire the knowledge and values to protect and improve the environment; and,
- Create new patterns of societal behavior toward the environment as a whole.
The National Environmental Education Foundation looks forward to offering the Richard C. Bartlett Award again in 2008. Please visit www.neefusa.org in the new year for the new application guidelines.
