Monarch butterflies have long held a special place in my heart. Since 2018, my family and I have cultivated a monarch pollinator garden, participated in tagging monarchs for the Monarch Watch program, and enjoyed watching Flight of the Butterflies. Visiting the El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary remains a dream on my bucket list! This passion naturally found its way into my classroom, where I introduce Monarchs as a cultural symbol during our Day of the Dead unit in Spanish class.
Topics Related to Notes from the Field
I recently read about the “point-and-call” method, a technique used in Japan where individuals physically point at something and call out its status. It’s a simple but powerful way to bring awareness to our surroundings and reduce errors. But beyond its practical use, it offers a metaphor for how we can live more intentionally.“Point and call” reminds us to acknowledge what’s around us, to see clearly and act with purpose: to point at who we are and what we’ve done and call it out, so we all become more aware of the reality we share.
Place-based learning has become one of the most meaningful parts of my teaching because it allows students to experience history, geography, and cult
Our time at Gorges State Park took learning out of the classroom and into the beautiful mountains around us. The experiences and environment gave students of all learning levels and backgrounds a time to shine. - Stephanie Bell, Rosman Elementary School
…I was thrilled to see the NC State Capitol was hosting an exhibit that featured issues we were studying in class, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources staff were beyond helpful in setting up a field trip!
There’s a deep understanding within me about the power of working with others. It’s something I’ve learned not from books, but from life itself, whether back in college and teaming up with classmates on a school project, or now, collaborating with partners across organizations to bring a community event to life. I’ve seen firsthand how synergy transforms ideas into impact.
Recently, my students in the Martin Innovative Middle School Program at Riverside Middle School in Williamston engaged in a unique and meaningful educational experience through DNCR’s NC Kids’ Exploration Journal. The journal, provided FREE to schools requesting them, guides students through outdoor observations and reflections and quickly became a favorite among students and families alike.
Ask any educator what it means to be a teacher and you’ll get a range of responses. For me, I’ve always felt a responsibility to be an expert and a leader in instruction—in my classroom, in my school, and in the profession as a whole. And throughout my 29 years in the classroom, I’ve learned that one of the most important ways to lead in education is to continue learning. I can’t overstate how vital it is to seek out new information and strategies and to keep growing as an educator. That’s why high-quality professional development experiences matter so much.
As educators, one of our greatest rewards is watching our students grow academically, discover their passions, and make connections that will shape their futures. North Carolina History Day, an affiliate of the National History Day® (NHD) program and operated by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), fosters these qualities in students while also providing teachers with an enriching and rewarding experience.
Thanks to the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), C.C. Griffin STEM Middle School had the distinct honor of hosting an unforgettable educational experience: The Ongoing Fight for Freedom, a one-man performance presented by the powerful and passionate Dr. Sonny Kelly.This unique theatrical presentation, commissioned by DNCR as part of the America250 NC commemoration, is a vital contribution to preserving and elevating the history of veterans from North Carolina, particularly the often under told stories of Black veterans.