|
Polk County Public Schools has been named a Guy Harvey Conservation District for the 2025-2026 school year, signifying the school system’s commitment to environmental education through teacher professional development, experiential learning and environmental leadership. “We are inspired by the work and commitment of the educators and schools in the public school system of Polk County that, through the Guy Harvey Conservation Education Program, promote marine science and strengthen conservation education,” said Jessica Harvey, CEO of the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF), the global non-profit organization that supports scientific research, advances education, and drives advocacy that protects marine ecosystems to keep the ocean a place for exploration for generations to come.”
Through the Guy Harvey Conservation Education Program, educators, and by extension schools and school districts, can participate in regional professional development opportunities dedicated to environmental STEAM education. Following their training in the program, participants become Guy Harvey Conservation (GHC) Educators who are then empowered with recognition, knowledge and resources they can share with students to foster environmental awareness and contribute to a sustainable future. The program offers supplies and grants for field trips enabling GHC Educators to enhance their teaching and instill conservation values in students. Open to all elementary, middle and high school educators, the immersive and experiential education program training includes all the materials, classroom supplies and educational content they need to inspire and excite the next generation of stewards of ocean conservation. “We are very grateful that our school district has earned this major distinction, and the resources available to our students will enrich their learning experiences and better understand our world,” said Superintendent Fred Heid. “Our community is blessed with an incredible wealth of beautiful, diverse ecosystems,” Heid said. “Environmental education — especially in Florida — is absolutely critical for our students, and we must do everything we can to help them learn about the importance of responsible environmental stewardship and conservationism.” There are 6 schools in Polk County Public Schools that are recognized as Guy Harvey Conservation Schools and 15 educators in the District are Guy Harvey Conservation Educators. The following schools have trained educators: Davenport High Kathleen High Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary Mulberry Senior High Haines City Senior High Lake Region High “The commitment of school systems across the nation dedicated to environmental STEAM education creates a ripple effect as educators become catalysts for positive environmental change in the minds and actions of their students,” Harvey added. “Our goal is to educate and enlighten more than 50 million students and more than five million teachers globally with our educational initiatives.” For more information on the Guy Harvey Conservation Education Program, including benefits and upcoming training locations, schedules and more, visit GuyharveyFoundation.org/education/conservationprogram/ or email [email protected].
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Upcoming Events |
|
