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by MEGHAN CORBETT photo by TERAH WILSON
The topic of education has certainly been at the forefront of many in recent years, and the environment has been up there as well. They are not often discussed simultaneously, but the Friends School of Wilmington has found a creative way to merge the two with the purchase of 2.8 acres of green space next to the school to expand its environmental education program. Tasked with leading this endeavor, KAREN LINEHAN, an eighteen-year veteran teacher, serves as the school’s environmental education coordinator, a role she recently moved into. WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME A TEACHER? “When I was a young girl in love with the natural world, I dreamed of being a ‘nature teacher.’ After studying zoology in college, I began my career as a natural science educator working with teachers and students across North Carolina. These meaningful experiences inspired me to become a classroom teacher. I joined the Friends School faculty in 2003 where I continue to learn from my students and the gifted educators around me.” WHY DID YOU DECIDE THE FRIENDS SCHOOL WAS THE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOU? “Our family joined the Friends School community in 1999 when our older daughter began attending the middle-school program. We knew our children would thrive in a school that fostered respect and compassion for individuals within a strong community of lifelong learners. As a parent, I observed firsthand the value of a Quaker education, which led me to seek a teaching position at Friends School.” HOW MUCH INVOLVEMENT DID YOU HAVE FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE DECISION TO EXPAND THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM? “As a Quaker school, we believe that environmental stewardship is one of our most important missions. As we worked towards campus unification and saw the exciting potential in purchasing our new green space of 2.8 acres, we began to imagine the possibilities for expanded environmental education. There were many conversations across our community that led to this momentous decision as it all came together in April.” WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN ROLE BE AS THE NEW ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR? “My role is multifaceted and collaborative. In addition to supporting teachers and facilitating weekly lessons for students in grades PreK-5, I’ll work with our community to envision our new green space and Environmental Education Center. We’re also excited to partner with local nonprofits and expand our outreach into the lower Cape Fear region.” WHAT SHOULD READERS KNOW ABOUT THE FRIENDS SCHOOL? “We are accredited by SAIS and serve children eighteen months of age through eighth grade from a broad range of backgrounds. Our mission statement best conveys our presence in the Wilmington community: ‘We believe the world needs passionate, lifelong learners who act with courage, integrity, and love. Inspired by that need, and the Quaker values of peace, equality, and care for the earth, Friends School of Wilmington is a vigorous academic community committed to educating the whole child.’” W KAREN LINEHAN’s full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Roundup email. To sign up for daily WILMA emails, go to WILMAmag.com.
WILMAmag.com
SEPTEMBER 2021
WILMA
47
