Wisconsin has environmental education model for the nation

There is a new, but growing cadre of teachers spreading out across the country. Their mission is straightforward . . . to provide leadership in incorporating environmental education in our nation’s elementary and secondary schools.

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s College of Natural Resources (CNR), the largest undergraduate program of its kind in the United States, has designed a model Master of Science in Natural Resources/Environmental Education degree program. According to CNR’s Associate Dean Rick Wilke, the program for teachers is the only one of its kind in the country. "The unique emphasis on leadership in environmental education, coupled with more than 20 environmental education courses, has encouraged teachers from all over to enroll in our program," states Wilke.

This professional development program for K-12 teachers is housed within the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education on the Stevens Point campus. The program debunks the myth that environmental educators are teaching our children that the sky is falling. According to Wilke, the evolution of environmental education over the past decade has been truly remarkable. An increased emphasis is now placed on the scientific and economic basis for environmental decision making. "Eight years into the program and we believe we have a working model for the rest of the nation. Teachers that successfully complete our program are not only having an impact on their students and schools, but equally important is their impact in the community and/or region where they put into practice what is taught in the classroom," continued Wilke.

Approximately 100 educators have enrolled. Each teacher must complete a project that demonstrates their leadership capabilities and extends that leadership beyond their own classrooms. (*enclosed Master of Science brochure)

This year’s exit surveys of graduates reveal the depth and breath of this far-reaching program. Mike Johnson believes he "gained significant benefit from the nonpartisan approach to dealing with environmental issues . . ." Mark Goings says, "I am no longer an environmentalist who’s teaching . . . I am instead an environmental educator." According to Catie Belleveau, "I feel much better equipped to take leadership roles in Minnesota . . . and I have." Brian Henrickson implemented a countywide river monitoring program involving high school students from five Sheboygan County school districts. Henrickson said, "I plan to continue the river testing program and I have taken the position of districtwide K-12 science department chair."

-30-