Congratulations to Erik Svec, who was named 2016 Young Educator of the Year this week as part of the McMinnville Distinguished Service Awards. Educators are nominated by peers for their service to school/district, excellence in teaching, leadership, volunteer efforts and other accomplishments.
Svec, who has been teaching 21 years with the past 15 at Columbus Elementary, was cited by colleagues for his levels of commitment to his profession and students.The fifth grade teacher has taken the lead on the annual outdoor school, including raising $10,000 to fund it and organizing it.
“He sees the value in getting these kids outdoors, away from their electronics,” wrote former colleague Kelly Robbins in the nomination form. “And showing them the value of nature and what it has to offer.”
This past year, Svec also wrote and won a grant from the McMinnville Education Foundation to launch an Environmental Service Learning after-school club. The club has picked up trash in local parks, built bird feeders out of recycled materials and is currently studying vermicomposition (pictured). Next, the group hopes to build bird houses for native birds like chickadees and wrens and learn about invasive species.
Svec also serves on Columbus site council and as the school’s MEA representative.
Click here for information on the celebration banquet on May 2.