By Erin English,
We are proud to conclude the successful Education Teacher Symposium series, a cornerstone event in our five-year education plan. Over the past two years, we have collaborated with over one hundred passionate K-12 educators from school districts and charter schools across Southern California. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Anza-Borrego State Park, these educators delved deep into the vital mission of preserving and advocating for the desert’s land, resources, history, and community.
The symposium, held over a weekend, provided educators with an immersive experience, brimming with enriching presentations and enlightening guided tours led by desert experts. From volunteer biologists to authors of Anza-Borrego information books, from photographers to herpetologists and animal trackers, and representatives from local Kumeyaay and Cahuilla tribes, participants were treated to a diverse array of perspectives and insights.
Participants were effusive in their praise for the symposium:
– “Highlights were real scientists giving lectures and tours of the park.”
– “Hearing from experts who have been actively involved in learning about the desert for generations.”
– “The expertise that was shared was invaluable and forever changed how I think about the desert.”
In addition, individual participants shared their unique and inspiring experiences:
– “I was amazed at how much life there is in the desert. It has inspired me to teach more in the desert. I found the hikes most valuable because I was able to experience the desert in such a different way than expected.” – DD
– “Hearing from Will Madrigal was powerful…Learning about the problems and effort towards solutions from Danny was very interesting. Tracking by prints and scat with Terry was really fun.” – JR
– “As a new person to the desert, I was hooked by Paulette’s photography slide show. It made me curious and want to learn more.” – KR
– “My favorite moment was during the Font’s Point hike with Terry…It was so beautiful and a pleasant surprise.” – AL
“We are thrilled to have had such a diverse and knowledgeable group of professionals join us for this symposium,” said Erin English, Ed.D., an Educational Consultant hired by the Anza Borrego Foundation. “Their dedication to environmental education and advocacy is truly inspiring, and we are confident that the knowledge gained during this event will be passed on to countless students, enriching their understanding of the natural world and empowering them to become stewards of our precious ecosystems.”
A highlight of the symposium was the opportunity for participants to stay at the Steele-Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center, affiliated with the University of California Irvine. This state-of-the-art facility provided a comfortable and educational base for the weekend’s activities, further enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
The Education Teacher Symposium is a key component of the Anza Borrego Foundation’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and conservation efforts. By engaging and empowering educators, the Foundation aims to cultivate a generation of environmentally-conscious citizens who will work towards preserving our natural heritage for generations to come.
Participants were selected after submitting an application of interest. Teachers in grades three through twelve in all subject areas were invited to participate and no desert or hiking experience was necessary – just a willingness to collaborate and learn from other educators and experts in the field.
Plans are already underway for the 2024/2025 Teacher Symposiums. Dates and registration links will be published soon on the Anza-Borrego Education website: https://theabf.org/our-work/education/
For more information about Anza Borrego Foundation and its educational initiatives, please visit https://theabf.org/ or contact Samantha Young, Education Manager at [email protected].
