Every year, Natural Curiosity honours three outstanding educators across Canada for their exemplary practice in environmental inquiry. These educators receive the Edward Burtynsky Award for Teaching Excellence in Environmental Education. These educators demonstrate their commitment to their students and the environment by connecting the two as often as possible. They honour their students' curiosity and work to fuel it. They bring their students to the land and foster confidence as they explore the gifts that the land offers.
We are very proud to announce that Ryan Andersen, teacher at Sprucecourt Public School, has won the Grand Prize of the Edward Burtynsky Award. Mr. Andersen and his students spend time every day making discoveries and finding joy in both local parks and in the forest of the Don Valley. In addition to using stories and books by Indigenous authors and illustrators to guide lessons, Mr. Andersen uses an inquiry based approach to nurture students’ understanding of their responsibilities and accountabilities as stewards of the land they live, learn and work on. Read more about Mr. Andersen’s work on the Natural Curiosity website.
Congratulations Mr. Andersen!