BIO

As a high school senior in Green River, Wyoming I remember a conversation with a science teacher about my future goals and aspirations. I had my mind set on becoming a chemical engineer, primarily because of my interest in science and math, and a desire for a high-paying career. He suggested that I think about becoming a science teacher. My immediate reply was, "I wouldn't become a teacher if it was the last job on Earth." How ironic life can be. In retrospect, after teaching for sixteen years in the same small, rural school, this profession has positively impacted my life in more ways than words can describe. Tremendous satisfaction comes from knowing that a student has grown intellectually and behaviorally as a result of my actions. There is no other occupation with as much responsibility as teaching.

Students have a natural curiosity about the inner-workings of nature. There is no better context for learning than in a natural setting. This allows children to explore the how, why, and what if questions that they devise. The rewards of environmental studies and stewardship are many, including the acquisition of science content knowledge. It also lends itself to a cross-curricular, integrated approach to learning. Most importantly, students develop a sense of accomplishment in knowing that their efforts are positively impacting the environment. Most of the students participating in the ecology club will not pursue environmental science careers. However, the experiences gained at our outdoor classroom will "plant a seed" in their psyche that we must nurture and protect our environment. Our efforts in rehabilitating ten acres of riparian habitat, albeit small when compared to worldwide environmental problems, are making a difference for the environment and for the students involved.

I was raised in Wyoming and grew up loving the outdoors. I discovered at a young age that, as Corrine Roosevelt Robins put it, "On the path to nowhere, I have sometimes found my soul." My hobbies include trout fishing, mule deer and elk hunting, and exploring nature. I graduated from the University of Wyoming with a BS degree in Secondary Science Education with an emphasis in Biology. Cindy, my wife of seventeen years, is the best teacher in the world and is a great inspiration to me. We have two lovely young boys, Skyler (6) and Elias (4). I am deeply honored to win this award.

PARTNER STATEMENT

Through the SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/NSTA Outstanding Environmental Educator Award Chair, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) stated, "Marion Oneida is an outstanding environmental science educator because he believes that teaching and learning in an environmental context enables students to gain an appreciation of the complex interactions that occur in nature. He facilitates investigation where students make observations, develop a plan and take action to remediate problems they identify. Through his mentoring, students develop a sense of pride in their successful accomplishments. Within the past five years Marion, his students, colleagues, and community have changed a degraded riparian habitat into a place for wonderful learning opportunities. By rewarding Marion Oneida others will learn and profit from his recognition."

Jack Padalino
President, Paul F. Brandwein Institute
Chair, SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/NSTA Outstanding Environmental Educator Award