authentic
matters
Key Largo, Fl
STEAM and Sustainability Educator Retreat
July 9- 11, 2023
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Thanks to our sponsor, the Annette Urso Rickel Foundation, Authentic Exploration Matters was able to host a STEAM and Sustainability Educator Retreat for 8 Outstanding Florida Educators.
The eight educators selected possess diverse backgrounds in their discipline and grade levels. From elementary Art, to ESL Middle school, to marine Science in High school, we gathered an amazing group of professional and passionate educators to experience sustainability and STEAM firsthand.
Back row: left to right (student ambassador Abbey Cowan), Educator ambassadors Jessica Sarduy, Lynn Kelly-McClish, Tiffany Gower, Amanda Ferguson, (student ambassador Reilly Hollern)
Front row: left to right Education Coordinator Kirstin Cowan, Educator Ambassadors Anna Cazel, Ana Nunez, Susan Peioski, Tanja Bock, and the Founder and Executive Director Ashley Hollern.
Welcome Educator Ambassadors!
Our eight educators will serve as Authentic Exploration Matters Educator Ambassadors through the 2023-24 school year. Upon arrival, they were presented with a swag bag to recognize their key roles as mentors for the program.
Key Lime Pie Factory
We ended our first night in Key Largo at the Key Lime Pie Factory. We left our mark by signing a lock, symbolizing the strong bonds and shared experiences that will forever stay locked in our hearts.
On July 10th we woke up early to enjoy breakfast from the local Pinecrest Bakery. We then packed into our cars and headed to the Marine Lab for a Full Day. Our team was greeted at the Marine Lab by the Annette Urso Rickel Foundation board including Jay Rickel-Finnegan (president), Mylinh Chau (secretary), and Tyler Crawford (treasurer). Together they shared the mission and vision of the foundation as well as their passion to help educators develop programs that incorporate STEAM initiatives. Additionally, they explained how their program awards grants and the process to apply.
Snorkeling Excursion with the Marine Lab
After learning about the Marine Lab, our team boarded a boat and headed out to the mangroves to witness the nursery of the sea. It was a first-time experience for many of our educator ambassadors, and the excitement and awe was infectious.
Following lunch and a lesson on coral reef protection areas, the Marine Lab took us to a second snorkeling location where we could see the coral reef and experience why the reefs are home to 25% of the ocean's species.
Marine Lab Interactive Lesson
The teachers engaged in an interactive lesson conducted by the Marine Lab. The session involved hands-on activities and immersive demonstrations that deepened their understanding of marine ecosystems and conservation. Through engaging discussions and captivating visuals, the teachers gained valuable insights to incorporate into their future classroom teachings, fostering a greater appreciation for the marine world among their students.
Snorkeling at the CRF
After learning about how the Coral Restoration Foundation uses a process of fragging and growing corals in nurseries, Chandler, a Reef Restoration Associate, took us there to see CRF's coral nurseries. Next, we traveled a few miles from the site to Pickles Reef to see an area of the reef that is unprotected and that CRF had completed coral outcropping. It was incredible to see the restoration efforts of the Coral Restoration Foundation, firsthand!
Coral Restoration
An early start on day two as we arrived at 7 am at the Coral Restoration Foundation. We were greeted by Chandler and Cecelia who showed us into their education room. Here we learned about the current state of the coral reefs, their efforts to make a difference, and how we can help.
Edu-tainment
Derek Hagan, better known as "Captain Coral" is the Education Manager for the Coral Restoration Foundation. He performed an outstanding lesson with our educators on how "edu-tainment" can engage students. He captivated the teachers with his multidisciplinary approach and the hands-on activity that required full participation. His lesson could be incorporated into all grade levels and was a highlight of the program.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of our educator retreat, for me, has been the invaluable opportunity to document the rich dialogue and diverse perspectives offered by our incredible selection of eight educator ambassadors who are accompanying us on this journey. Their collective expertise spanning multiple disciplines and grade levels has been truly enlightening and energizing. I can’t wait to share the short film series we are producing, as it will serve as a platform to amplify the significant voices of teachers and highlight their indispensable role in shaping education. The impact of educators cannot be overstated; their voices resonate and hold immense value."
-Ashley Hollern, Founder and Executive Director of AEM
Film
Such an incredibly enriching experience that was also fortifying, building each other up to share our passion for learning, exploring
authentically, and the sustainability of life on our beautiful and complex planet. All of the above and more of what is yet to come will be shared with the special young humans we teach and care for.
-Susan Pioski, AEM Educator Ambassador
I want to take a moment to genuinely thank authentic_exploration_matters and The Rickle Foundation for the
incredible education retreat in Key Largo. My passion for conservation education is renewed and I am so excited to share all my AHA! Moments and collaborations with my students!"
- Jessica Sarduy, AEM Educator Ambassador
I am not going to lie, this experience was one that I desperately needed! I was surrounded by some of the most
amazing educators. And I am so inspired by their creativity and passion for sustainability and conservation. I have come away with so many thoughts and plans for the coming year!"
-Anna Cazal, AEM Educator Ambassador
Authentic exploration Matters, Key Largo Educator Retreat has been absolutely amazing. So excited to have
been picked for this retreat and to have had all the hands-on experience that I have had the last few days
- Tanja Bock, AEM Educator Ambassador