You all know me as a mom and a little bit as an educator. And while I LOVE my role as mom I don't feel like that is who I am, even though it is what takes up almost 100% of my time. Right now I am not getting to do the educator side of who I am nearly as much as I would like. I fear that I am losing those skills even day that I am not out there but I am hoping to be back in the field teaching more often very soon. There is just something about being outside with a group of kids, showing them things, teaching them things, and seeing the wonder in their eyes when they learn something new that just cannot be topped.
But there are a few other parts of me that few people know much about. I am also an active member of the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education, recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors. I love this organization. I try to volunteer my time, attend events, bring in donations and spread the word about what they do as much as I can. I am super excited to serve on their Board for the next three years.
Lastly, I work with Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association on the annual Energy Fair. I coordinate a three day children's workshop tent that hosts hour long workshops for young children and their parents. This three day fair has hundreds of adult workshops going on as well, a HUGE exhibitors section, educator workshops, clean car show, organic food markets, cooking workshops, green building demonstrations and MUCH MORE! Being able to put together workshops for children to attend, for families to attend, is a wonderful feeling. I pull presenters from all over the place and from many different disciplines. Even though those three days are hardwork and LONG days I get to meet some amazing educators, kids and parents. I get to chat with other stay at home moms and network with other environmental educators. It is an amazing three days.
Each of the things that I am a part of matter a lot to me and make me who I am. I hope some day my girls will understand and admire the work that I do that took (and will continue to take) me away from them on occassion.
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The Nitty Gritty!
Speaking of the Energy Fair! If anyone in the environmental education or education field would be interested in doing in a presentation for the children's workshop tent feel free to contact me and we can chat more about it.
I understand not feeling like you're getting to fulfill your role as educator, but really, you educate your kids every single day. I have to remind myself sometimes -- they're always learning. So really, you're doing two very important jobs in one. :-)
Posted by: del | 01/19/2011 at 01:31 PM
Congrats on WAEE! I feel the same way about staying home, being a mom, and not going to work everyday. You already have a lot on your plate. And at least you get to have fun at the Leopold center. And don't forget this blog!!!! What you are doing is awesome Abbie! You are educating people every day! :)
Posted by: Tami S | 01/19/2011 at 02:47 PM
I used to be an environmental educator, but now work as a writer and spend every minute I am not working with my kids. (almost every minute..). I look at my kids as my own little class. We hang out in "nature," we hike, we do science-y activities. It's like I'm in the field (or is it the trenches?) all the time. It seems like it is about the same for you.
Posted by: Mel | 01/19/2011 at 05:52 PM
that is so awesome you are perfect for the job and I know you will really enjoy it! I want to hear all about the fair.
Posted by: welcome to our wonderland | 01/20/2011 at 05:25 PM
Abbie- I ended up being able to stay home and educate with the childcare in my home :). I have presented at a number of conferences and depending on when/where you are looking for presentations, I could potentially come. It sounds like we do a lot of very similar things!
Posted by: Amy A | 01/20/2011 at 07:38 PM