Dan Richards, Idaho teacher, wins second award

Daniel Richards of Meadow Valley Schools in New Meadows, and member of the Solar 4R Schools program was recently honored for the second time this year for his good work as a science teacher.

Richards was named the “GIANTS Middle School Teacher” by Idaho Governor C.L “Butch” Otter last month.

Richards has also been honored as the environmental educator of the year.

As a teacher and mentor, Mr. Richards has been brining an appreciation of science to his students and community for the past 28 years.

Mr. Richards engages his entire community in science learning throughout the school year and in the summer. Students look forward to the annual week-long science trip they take with Mr. Richards to different ecological and geographical sites where they create podcasts, notebooks, and journals describing their experiences. Mr. Richards models the trip based on his own experiences from conducting hands-on research.

Daniel has a bachelor of science and a master’s degree in biology from Idaho State University.

Dave Lettero, the Solar 4R Schools Program’s Education Manager,  caught up with Richards after the awards were announced for the following quick Q&A.

Dave: What do you think it takes to receive an environmental educator of the year award?

Dan: One of the most important things needed is to be nominated.  I know that there are many talented and creative teachers out there that are worthy of this award, but have not been nominated and so their efforts go unrecognized.  Also, organizing a community event that links the school and community with an environmental theme that people can identify with was an important part of my nomination.  Energy is on everyone's mind right now and served as an excellent theme for our "Evening on Green Street". Another factor that figures in heavily is the teacher's passion for environmental education and their personal dedication to educating students to be better environmental citizens.

What role does renewable energy play in teaching environmental education?

Renewable energy is a vital part of environmental education today more than ever.  Most of our current environmental issues are directly related to energy.  People are becoming aware that we cannot continue to consume nonrenewable energy sources at the pace we have been.  The resources simply are not there and the environmental costs are too high.  Students often educate their parents about energy options for the future, so it is our job to educate the students.

How has the Solar 4R Schools program impacted your work in the classroom or influences your teaching?

At Meadows Valley our solar panels are located at the front of the building.  They are very visible.  Students often ask questions about the them.  "How much energy do the panels produce?"  "How much money have they saved the school?"  "Can we get some more panels?"

These questions all serve as a spring board for discussion and instruction about solar energy and other renewable energy sources, as well as conservation.  And having access to the information online allows me to show students how to answer some of their questions themselves.  Since we became part of the Solar 4R Schools student interest and enthusiasm for energy education has increased dramatically.

Thanks Dan! And Congratulations!