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
Topics Related to Learning Happens Here
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.
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.
…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!
By Natalia Mejia, 2025 DNCR Teacher Ambassador
By Jorge Malo Guajardo, Office of K-12 Education & Outreach | NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR)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.
Author: Guy Hill, English Teacher at Triton High School and 2025 DNCR Teacher AmbassadorMain photo courtesy of Jess Abel, UNC College of Arts and Sciences
“To hear a thousand monarch wings beatingTo see a humpback whale breachTo savor foods and flavors I have never tasted before