On January 4 as part of their annual in-service training, nine (9) teachers with Jefferson ISD learned how to align outdoor learning with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science. Certified trainers for Project WILD, Viann Sawyer and Betty Morgan, conducted the 8-hour workshop at Collins Academy to increase the utilization of hands-on and project-based activities with their pollinator gardens. The state standard requires Texas teachers to successfully implement this type of learning to increase the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of their students. Collins Academy supports the use of outdoor resources for educational enrichment, especially habitat improvement projects such as pollinator gardens.

The workshop agenda included information on why Project WILD is a good choice for teachers, a showcase of WILD lesson activities, hands-on participation in WILD lessons, a hike through the WILD Guides provided to teachers by JISD, and the creation of actual lesson plans using Project WILD and pollinator gardens by each participant. Since both the Jefferson Primary School and Jefferson Elementary maintain pollinator gardens, participants received both Growing Up WILD (ages 3-7) and Project WILD (K-Grade 12) guides. Through a wide range of activities and experiences, Growing Up WILD provides an early foundation for developing positive impressions about nature and lifelong social and academic skills. Project WILD is the overarching, interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife. It assists with the development of awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment for informed decision-making, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment.

“ JISD sent us a great group of teachers to work with. Hopefully, they will use the WILD lessons”…Betty Morgan

“It was great to work with such a group of dedicated and caring educators”…Viann Sawyer

All participants receive 8 hours of Certified Professional Development Credit upon completion. If you or your school campus desire to establish a pollinator garden for conservation and learning or to conduct a Project WILD Professional Development Workshop, please contact Gary Endsley at (903) 665-2900 or send inquiry to info@collinsacademy.com .