Marin Teacher Captures Prestigious National Environmentalism Award

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Dana Swisher has seen her young students become increasingly aware of environmental sustainability since she started teaching Marin elementary school students.

The Neil Cummins Elementary School 2nd grade teacher has met the moment, and it's brought Swisher and her Corte Madera school a prestigious honor.

Swisher earlier this month received the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) for her work integrating sustainability into lesson plans.

The award was presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“As students matriculate at Neil Cummins Elementary, we see a growing awareness of and appreciation for environmental sustainability,” Swisher said in a statement.

“The garden offers a place for students to be outside and develop an appreciation for the natural world.”

Swisher is among 11 teachers nationwide to receive the PIAEE award.

She was recognized for integrating sustainability topics into education for students from Kindergarten through 5th grade with the school’s “Hawks Garden” project.

“She championed the garden to demonstrate to students how to sustainably grow food and protect native species through habitat restoration,” the EPA said in a statement announcing the awards.

“She engaged students and community members through teaching materials, lesson plans, coordinating garden workdays, exposing children and adults to pest management practices, and donating food to community organizations.”

Her work has brought hands-on experiences to over 600 students, including those living in apartments without gardens to learn about growing their own food.

“This year’s award winners demonstrate how environmental education fosters our future stewards and innovators by connecting them to the soil, water and air around us,” EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman said in a statement.

“There is no better way to build future environmental leaders than by bringing children closer to their land and food. Congratulations to Dana for her leadership in the classroom and beyond.”