HUMANE, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

FOUNDATION IN PROFILE: We’ve been called “Maryland’s best kept secret” by the Baltimore Sun’s “Newspapers in Education” edition. Since 1992, the Foundation has invested almost $3,000,000 in humane, environmental, and character education and provided programming for thousands of Marylanders. Our school-based education programs are designed to complement existing school curricula. Baltimore County middle school teacher, Julie Wadsworth, says that “the Foundation consistently provides curriculum-based instruction which is fresh, appropriate, and current.”

HUMANE, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND CHARACTER EDUCATION:A wide variety of programming is available to both school and adult audiences.  All school programs have a character education component.  A listing of more than 40 programs includes titles such as:

1. "Canines, Cats, and the Chesapeake Bay"
2. "Give a Hoot About Ecology"
3. “Reptiles: Diversity in Scales”
4. "Bats! Beasts or Benefactors?”
5. “Bite Prevention/Community Safety”
6. “Service Dogs Welcome”

Book lending sets are available to schools and feature the Shiloh Trilogy, Strider, Lobo the Wolf, and Joey Moses.  Additionally, animal poetry and read-aloud sets are available.

Literacy and library programs are also offered.

COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING:We provide a variety of staff development and in-service trainings. Faculty and administrators learn how to integrate humane and environmental education into everyday classroom instruction. Training is also available to organizations. Our trainings include:

• HUMAN VIOLENCE/ANIMAL ABUSE: Frequently requested by teachers, administrators, human service professional, police departments, and animal control agencies.  Examines the link between human violence and animal cruelty.
  
  
• ENVIRONMENTAL:
  1. "Project WILD" Training: Developed with The Department of Natural Resources.  Utilizes wildlife specimens and a wealth of visuals and other materials.
  2. "Project Learning Tree": Nationally recognized education program that develops conservation, forestry and environmental awareness.
  3. "Project WET" Training: Water Education for Teachers, a nationally recognized program developed by The Council for Environmental Education.
  4. "Breaking the Cycle of Violence": Frequently requested by teachers, administrators and human service professionals. Exposes the link between human violence and animal cruelty.
     
     
• SERVICE ANIMALS: Presented by Ann Gearhart, a Delta Society Certified Service Dog Access Specialist, to familiarize schools, businesses, and other organizations with ADA laws and accepted practices in interacting with human/dog service teams.

EDUCATION STAFF:

The program is led by Ann Gearhart, an experienced educator with more than 30 years of classroom teaching. SpiritSong, her Education Assistance Dog, helps to bring  Ms. Gearhart’s programs to life while demonstrating her excellent training and good canine manners. Ms. Gearhart is a certified facilitator for “Project WILD”, “Project Learning Tree,” and “Project WET.” She is also a recognized expert who has spoken nationally on the link between human violence and animal abuse.

Richard Andersontaught science in the Baltimore County school system for over 30 years.  Mr. Anderson  served as the environmental coordinator for the magnet program at Loch Raven Academy and was recognized for “Excellence in Teaching” by the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce.  He currently serves on the Baltimore County Forestry Board.  When presenting his programs, Mr. Anderson often makes use of his extensive collection of reptiles and other wildlife specimens.

TO SCHEDULE A PROGRAM: Programming is available in the Greater Baltimore Metropolitan area. Professional development is available throughout Maryland. Call 410-366-0787.