Johannesen Named Educator of the Year by Project Learning Tree

OSFR has long been a proud sponsor of Trini Johannesen and the Parknership program at Fort White schools.  This is a program which brings an important message to youngsters who may not learn about the environment  anywhere else during their formative years.

Trini truly deserves this honor and OSFR congratulates her and her important contribution to education.

Read the original article here in the The Lake City Reporter .

Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
jim.tatum@oursantaferiver.org
– A river is like a life: once taken,
it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum

PARKnership’ reaps state award for FWHS teacher

Johannesen named Educator of the Year by Project Learning Tree.

Staff report
GAINESVILLE — A “PARKnership” she developed more than 20 years ago helped a Fort White High School teacher earn statewide recognition.  Irene “Trini” Johannesen was named the Florida Project Learning Tree Educator of the Year earlier this month.

Johannesen received the honor at the annual Florida PLT Facilitator/School Coordinator Retreat at the University of Florida Austin Cary Forest.  Johannesen, who has more than 25 years of science teaching experience, was nominated for the award by Janet Schnuass, who teaches in Duval County.

“Trini was my mentor teacher as a first-year teacher,” Schnuass said of Jonannesen. “She was passionate about outdoor education, and she encouraged me to be a teacher who takes students outdoors for learning experiences.  “Trini really helped spark my love of environmental education.”

Fort White High School’s Irene ‘Trini’ Johannesen was named the Florida Project Learning Tree Educator of the Year. She received her award from Robert Raze, the steering committee chair, and Elise Cassie, interim coordinator.

According to the Project Learning Tree release, Johannesen regularly incorporates Project Learning Tree activities into her curriculum and helps others do the same. Many of those activities are part of her “PARKnership” between FWHS and Ichetucknee Springs State Park she helped create in 2000.  Through that arrangement, Johannesen takes students to the park where they learn about the park and water, enhancing their learning.

Every year, Project Learning Tree recognizes and awards an educator for demonstrating exceptional commitment and ser vice to developing students’ awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the environment, while also building their skills and ability to make informed decisions; and encouraging them to take personal responsibility for sustaining the environment and the quality of life that depends on it.