Environmental Education . . . for Teachers!

One critical aspect to educating children about conservation and natural resources is making sure their teachers have that education first. The Suffolk-Nansemond Chapter (Virginia) partnered with a local community college to do just that.

“All teachers take money out of their pockets for specialized supplies that are not available from the schools’ supply rooms,” explains chapter president H.J. Miller. “For the past five years, the Suffolk-Nansemond Chapter has partnered with Paul D. Camp Community College, Franklin Campus, to offset the expenses of teachers from Suffolk who take the environmental course that International Paper sponsors each year. Through this program, teachers enjoy field trips to municipal utilities, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, the Zuni Pine Barrens, a salt marsh, and other locations. Through these trips and supporting classwork, teachers learn how to take a hands-on approach to teaching their students about nature conservation.”

The Suffolk-Nansemond Chapter presented the community college with a check for $500, which will be divided among Suffolk teachers participating in the program to help offset out-of-pocket expenses they might incur during the school year. “If more organizations would consider supplementing elementary and middle school teachers with donations,” says Miller, “they would help improve the learning opportunities for our students, no matter what subject is involved.”

For more information about Suffolk-Nansemond Chapter activities, please visit the Suffolk-Nansemond Chapter Web site.