AGFC accepting applications for Teacher Leader Council

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is looking for a new group of teachers to shepherd its latest effort to bring the outdoors into classrooms throughout The Natural State.

The Teacher Leader Council was formed last year to provide a better method of two-way communication between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the many teachers who enjoy delivering some of the ready-made education programs and curriculum developed through the AGFC’s Education Division.

Nathan Windel, a science teacher at Deer High School, was one of nine teachers chosen last year to coordinate with the AGFC’s education leadership team, bringing real-world experiences into the planning stages of future school-based outreach efforts.

“The Teacher Leader Council has been one of the most impactful experiences of my professional career,” Windel said. “Learning from and sharing with my colleagues about conservation education has been inspiring, and the hands-on approach allowed me to experience learning from the student perspective. Arkansas outdoors education is the glue we can use to cement learning.”

As this school year comes to a close, the AGFC is looking for a new group of teachers to take the reins and offer additional perspectives on AGFC programs.

“We are being very intentional about the programs and the experiences that we offer to engage with educators as an agency,” AGFC Education Division Chief Mary Beth Hatch said. “Being a part of the Teacher Leader Council will help educators bring a deeper understanding of conservation back to their classrooms and will help us fine-tune our efforts to overcome common roadblocks the teachers face implementing the lessons we are teaching.”

Full-time educators from public, private, and charter schools working with students from early childhood through grade 12 are eligible to become a part of the council. Nominees must be able to attend virtual meetings as well as in-person meetings.

“We do a lot of hands-on workshops with the council, and collaboration is always best in person; having the drive and time to attend these meetings is essential to the success of the program,” Hatch said. “We want people who are willing to speak up and provide their insight and knowledge so all teachers can benefit from improved outreach efforts.”

Jennifer Jackson, a computer science teacher at Bentonville’s Ruth Barker Middle School, was part of last year’s council and has not only gained more enthusiasm to bring the lessons back to her class, she’s gained a group of colleagues to share ideas and communicate successes and solutions to any roadblocks she’s encountered.

“Being part of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Teacher Leader Council has enriched my teaching and inspired my students,” Jackson said. “It has provided me with professional growth, innovative teaching strategies, and a strong network of like-minded educators. This experience has fostered a passion for environmental stewardship, empowering the next generation to appreciate and protect Arkansas’s natural resources.”

Applications may be submitted through May 2 at www.agfc.com/teacherleadercouncil.

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CUTLINES:

STREAMSIDE TABLE
Participants in last year’s Teacher Leader Council received in-depth training on stream ecology to take back and replicate with their students. AGFC photo. 

GROUP DISCUSSION
A major benefit of the Teacher Leader Council is two-way communication to build support for programs and remove obstacles to incorporating their curricula. AGFC photo.

COOKING CLASS
Cleaning and cooking fish and wild game is a component of the outdoor education teachers in the Leadership Council immerse themselves in. AGFC photo.