Introduction: Education

[Nadine Butcher Ball <ball@maryville.edu>]

I am a teacher educator (science education and general education) at Maryville University in St. Louis County. Maryville is a small private university, and the school of education has a strong local and national reputation for teacher preparation emphasizing the role of morally responsible teachers in a social and political democracy. I deeply believe environmental issues must become part of the mainstream culture of education (much as "diversity" or "multiculturalism" has increasingly become in the last several decades) as part of all educators' moral responsibility to foster a sustainable future.

I am participating in this dialogue because I need to learn more for my students and myself about participating in environmental decision making.  My background includes a BA in Earth and Planetary Sciences; an MA in Teaching, and an EdD focused on the relationship with nature lived in classroom life. My current position involves work with pre-service and practicing teachers, and I spend extensive time in schools throughout the St. Louis area, K-12, City and County.