Mr. Pokorny Receives Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Educator Award
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Launch the media gallery 1 player - media #4CLARKSON—Wes Pokorny, kindergarten teacher in Clarkson, Neb., received the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum “Educator Award” for outstanding contributions toward advancing the knowledge and appreciation of plants among their students.
“This may be the first time this award has gone to a kindergarten teacher,” said NSA Executive Director in giving the award, “but with the enthusiasm Pokorny brings to his indoor and outdoor classrooms, we think his teaching and legacy will extend far into the future.”
Pokorny’s kindergarteners know how to germinate seeds, climb trees and identify birds. Though they learn a lot about nature and plants, the learning extends into math and reading as well. Wes has created multiple outdoor classrooms—a vegetable and cut flower space adjacent to his classroom and Harlan’s Hill, a natural outdoor classroom which he improved through NSA’s Sustainable Schoolyard Program. He tweets his student’s outdoor interactions to get parents and the whole community involved.
“Pokorny’s use of outdoor learning can serve as a wonderful model for other schools and teachers wanting to get their students excited and knowledgeable about the natural world,” Hoyt said.
For more information about the award winners, reception or the statewide network of public landscapes modeling and promoting “sustainable landscapes for healthy homes and communities,” call 402-472-2971 or visit arboretum.unl.edu.
Congratulations Mr. P!