Schools
Andover High School Teacher Melanie Cutler Wins EPA Award
Andover's Melanie Cutler is one of seven teachers nationwide to win an Environmental Educator Award from the EPA and White House.
ANDOVER, MA — Andover High School teacher Melanie Cutler was named one of seven environmental educator award winners nationwide, Wednesday. The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators is granted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Cutler, a science teacher at Andover High School, has 22 years of experience teaching about the environment, according to a news release from the EPA.
"I am very grateful to receive this award and would like to express gratitude to all of the administrators, colleagues, and community volunteers in Andover who have recognized the importance of environmental education and have supported my efforts over the years," Cutler said in a statement.
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The award recognizes environmental educators who use hands-on approaches, the EPA said.
"Ms. Cutler uses a unique curriculum to empower her students to protect the environment and tackle sustainability challenges," the EPA release said. "Students in Ms. Cutler's classes participate in hands-on learning projects such as sustainable gardening where they grow produce for their school cafeteria and local food pantries."
Find out what's happening in Andoverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Cutler chairs the Andover Green Advisory Board. She has mentored students working on recycling and composting projects, learning about other resource disposal issues, and learning about renewable energy source at the high school.
"When learning about environmental science, it is essential to understand the issues at global and regional scales," Cutler said. "While there is significant work being accomplished to improve the environment at international, national, and state levels, I believe that students learn best by focusing on local solutions."
"Being able to make an immediate difference in their own communities affirms students' sense of optimism and empowers them to continue to be responsible citizens in their future lives," she said.
Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chirs.huffaker@patch.com.
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