The Vern A. Fridley Environmental Educator of the year award is awarded to an individual who has made a major contribution to environmental education in Utah. Nominee does not need to be a teacher, but must be involved in education about the environment and human responsibility to it.
This year’s winner, Susan Snyder, from the Ogden Nature Center, was nominated by her former colleague and friend, Teresa Anderson.
Susan Snyder, a teacher/naturalist at the Ogden Nature Center was recently awarded the 2011 Vern A. Fridley Environmental Educator of the Year Award during the Utah Society For Environmental Education’s (USEE) annual conference held earlier this month.
Susan received the award in recognition of her work and dedication to the thousands of children and adults she teaches each year at the Ogden Nature Center. Susan mostly teaches year-round field trip programs to school-aged children, but also uses her expertise and knowledge to teach community programs, preschool classes, home school programs, after school activities and summer camps. Some of Susan’s favorite classes include nature journaling and preschool lessons. Over the past four years, Susan has developed curriculum for and presents preschool classes at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City.
“If you have ever listened to Susan teach, you immediately understand why she was selected for this honor. Susan’s creativity and youthful spirit shine through in her teaching approach,” said Brandi Bosworth, public relations coordinator for the Center. “Susan truly loves her job and loves what she is teaching. Her enthusiasm is genuine – and that makes her attitude very contagious!”
“She is a natural when it comes to encouraging everyone to join in the fun of exploring nature throughout the seasons,” said Teresa Anderson, who nominated Susan for the award. “Susan shows excellence in her teaching practices and infuses her talent for writing and humor in all she does. She inspires me to be a better educator.”
Susan holds a master’s degree in Ecological Teaching and Learning from Lesley University, Cambridge, Mass., and is certified as an environmental educator through the Utah Society for Environmental Education (USEE).
Susan is quite a naturalist in her personal life as well. She is an avid bicyclist and active member of the Wasatch Audubon Society. She loves to travel and explore the natural world in all of her journeys.
No comments:
Post a Comment