Service
A sample of national, state, and community leadership/service for environmental education & civics education
Professional Service:
2024-2027: Book Awards Committee Member--Carter G. Woodson Book Award
First presented in 1974, this award is intended to “encourage the writing, publishing, and dissemination of outstanding social studies books for young readers that treat topics related to ethnic minorities and race relations sensitively and accurately.” Books relating to ethnic minorities and the authors of such books rarely receive the recognition they merit from professional organizations. By sponsoring the Carter G. Woodson Awards, NCSS gives wide recognition to and encourages these authors and publishers.
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Website: https://www.socialstudies.org/get-involved/carter-g-woodson-book-award-and-honor-winners
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2021-2024: Selection Committee Member--Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People (National Council for the Social Studies & Children's Book Council)
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Books selected for this bibliography are written primarily for children in grades K-12. The selection committee looks for books that emphasize human relations, represent a diversity of groups and are sensitive to a broad range of cultural experiences, present an original theme or a fresh slant on a traditional topic, are easily readable and of high literary quality, and have a pleasing format and, when appropriate, illustrations that enrich the text. Each book is read by several reviewers, and books are included on the annotated list by committee assent.​​
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​Website: https://www.socialstudies.org/notable-trade-books
Professional Service & Research:
EcoBlitz is an interdisciplinary and statewide environmental education & community science program created in 2019 by a team of California-based National Geographic Explorers and National Geographic Certified Educators. The spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration encourages students to explore plant and animal biodiversity like a biologist, and trash and plastics like an anthropologist. Students learn about their communities through the lenses of global education, geographic education, and environmental education. Students develop the attitudes, skills, and knowledge of real National Geographic Explorers while working with other classes throughout California to create more socially just and sustainable local and global communities. In 2023 EcoBlitz expanded to Florida, and in 2024 EcoBlitz expanded to the Philippines.In spring 2022, EcoBlitz was offered as an online micro-credential through Teachers College of San Joaquin. In spring 2023, the online micro-credential course was offered from March 1-May 1, 2023 through Cal Poly Humboldt's College of Extended Education & Global Engagement. It will be offered again in spring 2024.​
Supported with funding from: The North American Association for Environmental Education, The Cedar Tree Foundation, and US EPA, and the National Geographic Society.
Roles: PI, EcoBlitz Team Lead & Co-Developer; Online Course Instructor & Online Course Co-Creator
Website: https://www.ecoblitz.education/​
State Service:
UC-CSU Environmental and Climate Change Literacy Projects (ECCLPs). Advancing PK-12 climate and environmental literacy, justice and action through an innovative partnership between the UC-CSU systems.
The UC and CSU university systems are joining key partners to support the urgent need to advance PK-12 climate and environmental justice literacy by preparing current and future teachers to respond to these urgent issues.
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Roles: Steering Committee Member, In-Service Sub-Committee Member, Contributing Author on the 2019 Statewide Recommendations Report & Strategic Summary
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Website: https://www.ecclps.net/
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Community Service:
Public Health Ambassadors with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health support their communities across Los Angeles County by sharing public health information and resources with family, friends, school and social networks. Ambassadors are encouraged to share information and resources in a way that is unique to their individual style, community needs, and interests.
Topics shared with my classes: COVID-19 safety; youth substance use/abuse prevention; mental health; and public health and heat.
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Website: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/
