Position: Elementary school teacher at Air Base K-8 Center, Homestead, Florida
Growing up on military bases in different European countries, Hannah Purcell experienced “a lifestyle of appreciation of nature”, the teacher tells Anouchka. She felt a “huge gap” when her family returned to the United States. Suddenly everything was materialistic and there was little to no nature, she recalled.
Later, when Hannah started as an elementary school teacher, she saw the school as “a blank canvas with lots of empty lawn.” Purcell imagined a more engaging schoolyard and created a small garden. Administrators said she was wasting her time. However, soon even the “tough” students took an interest. “What are you doing, Miss?” they asked, volunteering to help plant or pull weeds.
Milkweed Way
At her current school, the gardens are now school wide. On Beautification Days, families, teachers, and volunteers build gardens, decorate walls with environmental messages, and create signage about seed germination and native species. Walking down “Milkweed Way”, one sees a shade house, a butterfly garden, an outdoor classroom, a wildflower meadow, a display of garden certifications, rain barrels, bird baths, compost and recycling bins, and a row of poles adorned with colorful painted butterflies – Purcell calls this their “learning gardens.”
In spite of obstacles, Purcell spearheaded programs and projects, securing grants from local businesses, organizing fundraisers, obtaining resources, and getting other teachers on board. “I’m a very persistent person. You’re changing a mindset, a culture, which takes time,” she said smiling. A few years ago, she proposed Deering Estate’s NESTT (Nurturing Environmental Stewards of Today and Tomorrow), helping it expand from a pilot of 15 students to three grade levels. Another example is the Green Education Fair, where she invites green agencies to share their expertise with everyone.
She also formed the Environmental Ambassadors Club, whose members present environmental problems and solutions to other students and the community. Ms. Purcell speaks proudly of her “school family” and the amazing leadership of her Principal. “They are the reason for our success.”
Students “get it”
Located near a military base in a mostly rural area, the school serves culturally and ethnically diverse students, including those from military families. When Purcell’s students learned about pesticides and their effect on endangered butterflies and human health, they quickly recognized the problem. “Kids see systems and when empowered, they want to take action,” Purcell explained. Several years ago, they presented to the local mayor and city council on the importance and benefits of native plants, organic farming, and recycling. The environmental chief of Homestead Air Reserve Base was impressed and invited Purcell’s students to annually tour the base to learn how it uses solar energy, reclaims water, reduces waste and recycles. Everyone was fascinated. Hannah Purcell believes that her students “get it” because she hears the proof in their conversations and sees it in their actions. She is hopeful they will continue being stewards of the environment and having a positive impact on sustainability issues.
Competence D: disciplinary. Example: Education.