Minnesota Association for Environmental Education's Early Childhood Award
Minnesota Association for Environmental Education's Early Childhood Award
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This award is presented for providing outstanding contributions to the advancement of early childhood environmental education in Minnesota. Both environmental educators and organizations are elgible for this award. Nominations can be submitted here.
2023: ALYSSA JANILLA
Alyssa Janilla at Kind Roots Early Learning & Care excels in teaching young children about environmental conservation because she has an incredible ability to make learning about the environment accessible and fun. She has developed and implemented engaging, age-appropriate curriculum and activities, seamlessly incorporating Literacy, Art, Math, Music and Stem all together. Alyssa inspires a love for nature and fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world by organizing outdoor experiences and field trips that connect children with their environment.
Alyssa always takes every opportunity to encourage eco-friendly behaviors like the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling, as well as other eco-conscious habits like composting. She is a great role model for the young environmentalists she teaches and demonstrates environmentally responsible behavior and practices, serving as a role model for both young children and her colleagues.
“Alyssa is passionate and a dedicated advocate for instilling environmental consciousness in young children, preparing them to be responsible stewards of the planet.” - Annie Berres at Kind Roots Early Learning & Care
- Summary of nomination by Annie Berres
2022: DODGE NATURE PRESCHOOL TEAM
Dodge Nature Preschool teachers are true innovators in the field of nature-based early childhood education, serving around 300 children each year. During the pandemic, they created outdoor classrooms that would support children's developmental needs while also furthering their connection and relationship to the natural world. Dodge Nature Preschool teachers inspired other educators to use an emergent, nature-based curriculum inspired by the changes of the season through our Learning Conference and Preschool Academy training for Catholic school early educators this past April. They understand children's different needs and plan for ways all children can participate in our outdoor program.
2021: JENN NIBBE
2021: JENN NIBBE
Jenn exemplifies excellence in nature based early childhood education. During her work at 10 Acre Wood Preschool, she gets the kids outside in all types of weather and lets the children guide their own learning through outdoor exploration. She has helped her program document their outdoor adventures through photographs to show families how their children are thriving outdoors.
"Jenn is a gift upon the early childhood education world and has truly found her calling working with young children outdoors." - Hannah Baune, 10 Acre Wood Preschool.
“Jenn shows incredible passion and innovation for early childhood environmental education. MAEE is in awe of this preschool teacher and appreciates the opportunity to recognize Jenn’s talents with this award.” - John Million, MAEE.
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