PVNC educator Cameron Morin receives Earth Steward Teaching Award

Yesterday, PVNC teacher Cameron Morin was presented with the Earth Steward Teaching Award through Learning for a Sustainable Future, a Canadian charity that has been working for over 30 years to integrate sustainability education into Canada’s school system. This year, the award included a $1000 prize, with an additional $1000 to support a sustainability Action Project this year.

 

Over the past two years, Mr. Morin has worked to develop the knowledge, skills and perspectives of his Grade 6, 7 and 8 students on issues of sustainability by developing meaningful learning experiences at St. Mary Catholic Elementary School in Grafton, Ontario. Students engage in consistent dialogue, year-round about issues of sustainability of local and global significance. When possible, he seeks opportunities for students to engage in interactive, hands-on learning outdoors, such as schoolyard bio-blitzes. He also brings in community partners and experts (virtually and in-person) to encourage a deeper connection and understanding among students, including engaging in virtual workshops through organizations like Learning for a Sustainable Future and welcoming guests like Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue to discuss protecting wildlife. In each of the last two years, Cameron has worked to engage students in the planning of sustainable Action Projects, in 2019-2020 raising funds and collecting items for donation to Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue and last year through a sustainability action project proposal challenge among his students. Students proposed sustainable action projects for the school and the local community. With grant money the class received, Mr. Morin’s class created a sustainability at-home challenge last year and students and families submitted photos of simple actions they were taking to limit their ecological footprint. Students and families who participated in the at-home challenge received a St. Mary CES reusable water bottle that could be used at home or at school at the water bottle refilling stations, limiting plastic waste in the school and community.

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