Ruffing Montessori teacher receives 2012 Conservation Educator of the Year award
Mary Beth McCormack (left) with Nancy Howell, Cleveland Natural History Museum science instructor and docent coordinator.
On Sept. 7, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History presented the 2012 Conservation Educator of the Year award to Mary Beth McCormack, science and field experience teacher at Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights.
McCormack teaches science to fourth, fifth and sixth grade students. At this level, Ruffing's science curriculum provides students with opportunities for field work, including various projects at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. One such projects has been a collaboration with the Nature Center on its ongoing marsh restoration. This work has been recognized and funded through a Project Learning Tree GreenWorks Grant through the American Forest Foundation.
McCormack's commitment to environmental stewardship and her integration of science with conservation studies is helping to shape the next generation.
Julie Haffke
Julie Haffke is director of advancement for Ruffing Montessori School.