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Teacher Participation

We regard our teachers as the most important part of RiverXchange! We couldn’t do it without their dedication and commitment to their student’s growth, not to mention stretching their schedules and plans to make time for our program. Therefore, RiverXchange® aims to support teachers by providing multiple opportunities for professional development such as: integrating place-based and outdoor learning (through watershed education) as a pillar for science and language arts; developing and improving skills in project-based learning; and collaborating with a community of inspired, action-driven colleagues. 

TEACHER EXPECTATIONS 
  • Attend the teacher workshop Saturday September 7, 2024 from 8:30am -2pm and receive an hourly stipend.
  • Be able to schedule a minimum of 4 one-hour presentations in classrooms (Sept-Mar) & the conservation field trip (Dec-March 9am-1pm, Th or Fri).
  • Conduct an Action Project with your classroom.
  • Complete Pre and Post surveys (online) with their classroom (demonstrates impact to our funders).
  • Complete a Teacher Feedback survey at the end of the program (to help us improve).
  • Attend two (2) virtual 30 min Action Project check-ins with RxC staff.
  • Provide documentation (criteria provided) of your Action Project process. Once completed, you receive an additional stipend.
TEACHER WORKSHOP 

In order to have a successful RiverXchange® experience, we hold a teacher workshop at the beginning of the school year to learn from one another and plan the program; including the pieces teachers are responsible for, i.e. :

  • Understanding a Watershed
  • The Action Project

Last year teacher’s met at Valle De Oro Wildlife Refuge for the teacher workshop and catered lunch to plan for a successful year.

2023-2024 RiverXchange® Teacher Workshop Photos 
A group of people in a meeting or workshop with a presentation screen titled "RIVER Xchange" in a modern room with large windows.
Teachers gather at Valle De Oro for the teacher workshop
Group of people around a table with plants, in an outdoor setting with vehicles and a cloudy sky.
Teachers visit the Rolling River to learn about the importance of watershed health
A group of people gathered on a patio, possibly attending an outdoor event or meeting, with a scenic nature backdrop.
Teachers work with BEMP educators on water quality lesson using the pond
Group of people with papers, standing in a parking lot, interacting, partially sunny day.
Teachers learn about heat island effect and ways our watershed helps mitigate heat
A group of people in a meeting or workshop with a presentation screen titled "RIVER Xchange" in a modern room with large windows.
Group of people around a table with plants, in an outdoor setting with vehicles and a cloudy sky.
A group of people gathered on a patio, possibly attending an outdoor event or meeting, with a scenic nature backdrop.
Group of people with papers, standing in a parking lot, interacting, partially sunny day.
What teachers say about RiverXchange® 
“Students were engaged and learned a lot in the process. They felt that they actually could make a difference with their actions.” -Beer, Cochiti ES

“The greatest learning outcomes for my class as participants in RiverXchange was focusing on the importance of water in our ecosystem. Another big learning outcome was to be stewards within our school community. Many students were able to discuss bigger issues they see towards the end of program compared to the beginning.” Martinez, Valle Vista ES

“Each year, it seems the program continues to improve. The resources and activities were invaluable.” - Turrietta, Martin Luther King Elementary
My students are more invested now in taking care of the environment, protecting natural resources and being more responsible stewards of their community.” Ortiz y Martinez, Chaparral ES

97% of teachers who respondends to an end of year survey in 2024 said students had made meaningful connections between human actions, stormwater and pollution.

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