EC Science teacher wins EPA honor

Edmunds Central science teacher Spencer Cody is a winner of the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators.

The award recognizes outstanding kindergarten through grade 12 teachers who employ innovative approaches to environmental education and use the environment as a context for learning for their students.

Cody is the Region 8 winner. Up to two teachers from each of EPA's 10 regions, from different states, will be selected to receive this award.

For the last 14 years, Mr. Cody has brought innovative teaching approaches to environmental education for students in grades 7-12. As a result of his hand-on, research-based, place-based approach to environmental education, the school district has seen dramatic shifts in academic achievement and interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers.

In 2019, Mr. Cody was named a Sanford Teacher Awardee for demonstrating high levels of inspirational teaching practices which engage students and build student confidence.

Mr. Cody's place-based approach to education for environmental science is a key aspect of his teaching style. This is especially impactful since most of his students do not have access to experiences beyond what is locally available. For example, he took a group of science students to a NOAA lab in Pascagoula, Mississippi, to work with scientists collecting data on marine life in the Pascagoula Bay. Another group of science students went on a field trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to work with intertidal and kelp forest specialists. These students also spent a day in the Salinas Valley to see and understand the environmental challenges that farmers face, including using innovative organic farming practices to decrease the dependence on chemical applications. These experiences allowed the students to see scientists at work and encouraged those students to consider careers in STEM subjects.

Another trip had been planned this spring, but the coronavirus pandemic stopped it.

The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers this award to honor, support and encourage educators who incorporate environmental education in their classrooms and teaching methods.