Bartlett Gladstone Receives MEEA Educator's Award

SEELEY LAKE - "It is such an honor to be recognized by your peers across the state," wrote Seeley Lake Elementary Junior High Teacher Patti Bartlett Gladstone after receiving the 2018 Montana Environmental Education Association Educator's Award. She was the only recipient of the Educator's Award in appreciation of her work in the field of Environmental Education in the state of Montana.

Jenélle Dowling, PhD, research specialist with the Montana Natural History Center and faculty affiliate at the University of Montana, nominated Bartlett Gladstone.

"I nominated Patti because she is an inspiring educator," wrote Dowling. Dowling first began working with Bartlett Gladstone on the Wings Over Water Osprey Education program with The Montana Natural History Center and University of Montana. When the program first started, she met regularly with Bartlett Gladstone to get her input and strengthen the program design.

"Since then, she's helped to create curricula for the program," wrote Dowling. "Now, UM professor Erick Greene and I have taught in her classroom several times and we've learned even more from her students!"

Dowling has been impressed by Bartlett Gladstone's dedication to combining science education with community engagement. This extends her impact as a science educator to the entire community of Seeley Lake.

"Patti is a fearless science teacher and scholar, who combines timely and impactful science topics, culturally relevant learning, indigenous knowledge and real, muddy, field biology into her classes," wrote Dowling. "I think that as a scientist, I'm so inspired by Patti because she is working on the front lines to create and nurture her students' love of science, and she's inspiring students to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)."

Bartlett Gladstone said that the award is definitely a team award. She highlighted the help she has received from Bruce Rieman, Ladd Knotek, Joann Wallenburn and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff who bring the junior high students to Morrell Creek and learn about the fish, velocity and water quality.  Bear experts Jamie Jonkel and Chuck Bartlebaugh share their expertise with students. Blackfoot Challenge is supportive with the Swan Release program and helps with field trip funding.  Erik Greene, Jennelle Dowling, Bart Peterson and all the folks involved with the WOW Osprey program.

Bartlett Gladstone also highlighted her teaching partners at SLE because they are flexible and willing to accommodate a change in scheduling so students can be involved in different opportunities.

"The list goes on and on," Bartlett Gladstone wrote. "SLE students are extremely fortunate to live where we do with such a great environment that is accessible right out the door."

Dowling added, "I have no doubt that [Patti] will have a meaningful impact on students and residents of Seeley Lake, and that she will count many successes as she sends her students into the world."

 

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