School District Five educator receives national award for environmental education
February 16, 2024
Dutch Fork Elementary Academy of Environmental Sciences resident scientist, Amy Umberger, has been named South Carolina’s Outstanding Earth Science Teacher by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT).
During a ceremony at the Harbison State Forest Education Center on February 13, 2024, Richland County Councilman/Vice Chair Derrek Pugh presented the award to Umberger that is given to teacher’s for “exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the pre-college level.”
This award recognizes Umberger’s excellence in Earth Science teaching, which focuses on inquiry and real-world application. She believes that all students can learn and have a desire to connect to the natural world and teaches students to work collaboratively in groups outdoors and on field studies. Umberger is also a long-time member and board member of the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina.
