Highlights from PLT’s 2019 Conference
Over 100 participants from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and Japan attended the PLT Coordinators’ Conference held May 6-9 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Arkansas
PLT’s Leadership in Education Award
PLT’s new Leadership in Education Award is designed to recognize individuals and partners who have made significant contributions to support PLT programs and initiatives at the state-level. Join us in celebrating this year’s winners and honorees who represent our diverse network and all those who help sustain and grow PLT state programs.
Outstanding Educator
Shelley Flanary
Shelley Flanary is a park interpreter at Cossatot River State Park in Wickes, Arkansas. She relies on PLT resources to educate adults and children.
Outstanding Educator
Michelle Viney
Michelle Viney is a conservation program manager at Audubon Arkansas in Fayetteville who promotes environmental education using PLT.
An Endangered Tree Mobilizes an Arkansas School
Discovering an endangered Ozark chestnut tree (also called Chinquapin) in the woods near the school campus inspired Acorn School students to take action.
Outstanding Educator
Kathy Rusert
Kathy is a science and reading teacher in the Acorn School District, Arkansas, who uses the outdoors as a classroom to instruct her students.
Outstanding Educator
Jennifer Richardson
Jennifer Richardson teaches fifth grade science and social studies at Wooster Elementary School in Greenbrier, Arkansas, and coordinates school-wide environmental programs.
Outstanding Educator
Jay Schneider
Jay Schneider is a naturalist and interpreter at Lake Fort Smith State Park in Mountainburg, Arkansas, who helped incorporate PLT in all state park programming.
Tips for Organizing Service-Learning Projects in Your School
An elementary teacher from Arkansas shares what she’s learned from implementing a schoolyard habitat project. Organizing a committee, engaging volunteers, and publicizing the effort have all contributed to their success.
Outstanding Educator
Kathryn Roberts
Kathryn Roberts teaches science to grades 9-12 at Lakeside High School in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where she created the school’s first outdoor classroom.