Mass Audubon honors Boston teacher Marissa Thornton

BOSTON – Mass Audubon and the New England Farm & Garden Association recently presented Boston Public Schools teacher Marissa Thornton with the “2009 Conservation Teacher of the Year” award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to conservation, science, and environmental education.

Ms. Thornton, a Kindergarten (K2) teacher at the John D. Philbrick Elementary School in Roslindale, was one of three educators recognized by Mass Audubon at a special luncheon held this week at the Brae Burn Country Club in Newton. To be selected for the award, teachers must not only exemplify excellence in teaching and creativity in environmental education, but also tie educational programs to the Massachusetts State Curriculum Frameworks and extend student learning beyond the classroom to the local community.

“Ms. Thornton uses hands-on, experiential learning to bring science to life for the district’s youngest students,” said Dr. Carol R. Johnson, Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools. “Not only does this approach engage students in science learning, but it helps foster an appreciation of the natural world and the larger community that will stay with students long after they’ve moved on from Kindergarten.”

Through Ms. Thornton’s many out-of-classroom experiences, she leads her students to value the places and habitats in their own neighborhoods. For example, her Ocean Studies unit takes students to Carson Beach, where they gain valuable framework skills and also receive the foundation for future stewardship through deep, sustained nature experiences. Ms. Thornton also takes advantage of other resources the City has to offer. Next week she’ll take her students to the New England Aquarium for the Tidepool Experience, with support from a grant she received from Target.

Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, Mass Audubon cares for 33,000 acres of conservation land, provides educational programs for 200,000 children and adults annually, and advocates for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. For more information, visit www.massaudubon.org.