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Creating opportunities to celebrate Earth Day every day
Author: Soniris Rosas Padilla
Creating opportunities to celebrate Earth Day every day
Author: Soniris Rosas Padilla
I know it will be difficult, but I challenge you: Pause, breathe and enjoy life outside on Earth Day. (Especially you prospective teachers studying for Texas certificates and current Dallas ISD teachers preparing for New Teacher Academy and Summer Professional Development.)
Why? Eleven years ago, the Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) recruited bilingual teachers from Puerto Rico, and my life has transformed since then. There are 1,000 questions running through my head on how to teach biology, but not about how to create opportunities for learners to celebrate Earth Day every day.
Over the years, students at Sunset High School of Dallas ISD have engaged in multiple cleanups, beautification projects, waste audits, and an awareness campaign in English and Spanish about the benefits of recycling. They started Sunset High's Green Club, to ensure that we have a sound recycling program, and our AP Environmental Science students support the Tri City Cleanup Team, led by Keep Dallas Beautiful Youth Council member Jannet Diaz.
As part of The Dallas Environmental League, WE Schools and Keep Dallas Beautiful, Sunset High has created an environment that feels like Earth Day every day.
By partnering with these organizations, our students have access to leadership and service opportunities, including professional development and access to WE events.
Together, we were recognized as the second Keep America Beautiful School in the nation. Our students earned this because their spirit was ignited to make a difference in the community.
This year, I was proud to be recognized by Keep Dallas Beautiful with the Hope for the Future Award, which wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my mentor, Brenda Finch. So many students have also inspired me—with these two exceptional individuals continuing to do so:
Three years ago, I arrived at Sunset High to teach AP Environmental Science. And as a teacher here, I’m busy—lesson planning, grading, going to meetings—but it’s also possible to put my passions and interests to work. By joining and supporting the school’s engagement with environmental initiatives, I feel like a new teacher every day.
If you engage in service learning, your philosophy of teaching will be transformed.
As a new teacher, you get to help your students see the magic and importance of your own passions and interests. These are just two ways you could help DFW students understand the value of the environment:
Dallas EEI and Team Water Works provides schools with resources, guest speakers and research opportunities to bring a real world perspective to the classroom. Check them out and get involved:
I guarantee your teaching experience will be transformed.
As a new teacher, you’ll need support and mentorship, regardless of any prior teaching experience.
I am very grateful of all my NMSI mentors: Kristin Shapiro, Andy Gaworecki, Perri Carr and Brian Kaestner. And I am thankful for my loving and supportive husband, Dr. Hector Gonzalez.
Want to hear more? As a teacher, you impart your passions and wisdom to students every day.
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