Jennifer Richardson, Fifth Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher, Wooster Elementary School, Greenbrier, Arkansas
Jennifer Richardson is a champion of environmental education in Arkansas. She serves on the Arkansas Environmental Literacy Plan Committee, which is charged with developing a plan for the future of environmental education in the state. She uses PLT with her fifth graders and leads many school-wide greening efforts, including recycling, composting, and developing a nature trail. Students became so enthused about working on the trail during recess that recess-related discipline problems declined and standardized science test scores rose. Jennifer also coordinates school-wide programs such as National Green Week, Earth Day, and an Environmental Science club, as well as a community-wide EcoFest. Jennifer is a National Board Certified Teacher and was a finalist in the 2010 Presidential Award in Science for the State of Arkansas. She also coordinates a monthly publication called Wooster Wild in which teachers share instructional strategies and resources. When she participated in the George Washington Teacher Institute, she even developed a lesson plan on Washington’s life as a farmer and environmentalist that incorporates PLT information about conservation during the 18th century!
Jennifer was named National PLT Outstanding Educator Honoree in 2011 and 2010.
Vanessa Bullwinkle
Vanessa Bullwinkle
