During his 25 years as an educator, Dave Shafer has found creative and effective ways to get students outdoors to learn about the world around them. He attended his first PLT workshop in 1993 and has used PLT hands-on activities with his students ever since. At Skiles Test Elementary School, he teaches a range of STEM topics and is responsible for the school’s 10 acres of outdoor space. Dave holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Indiana. In 2006, through a Lilly Endowment Distinguished Fellowship Grant, he taught science in Costa Rica and showed teachers how to use hands-on lessons with their students.
“His passion, creativity, and commitment to providing hands-on learning experiences to his students make him one of the most unique and innovative teachers I have ever met.”
– Heather Maurer, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (working with Shafer to develop an Eco-Trail at Skiles)
Dave was named National PLT Outstanding Educator in 2016.
Vanessa Bullwinkle
Vanessa Bullwinkle
