Read the full story via the Penobscot Bay Pilot

Heidi O’Donnell, a teacher from Belfast, Maine, was one of six educators who spent six weeks in the summer living and working in Acadia as part of the Acadia Teacher Fellows program.

During the program, educators connect to the rich cultural, natural, and recreational heritage protected by the park. Much of their time involves engaging with park education projects, learning about park resources, and developing lesson plans to use in their classrooms later. The program also provides exposure to a variety of field work performed in the park (e.g., public interpretive programs, research studies, boat and road patrols, trail construction, community outreach, and volunteer projects).

Acadia Teacher Fellow Heidi O’Donnell during an end-of-program presentation. (Evie Linantud/Friends of Acadia)

Teacher Fellows develop lesson plans based on their park experience and, when they return to their schools in the fall, share their projects with students and colleagues.

Friends of Acadia helped expand the Acadia’s Teacher Fellows program in 2013 and continues to support this valuable learning experience for teachers, schools, and the park.

Here’s an excerpt of Heidi’s story:

Imagine swapping the familiar hum of the classroom for the rustle of leaves and the salty sea breeze. I spent my summer hiking through spruce-fir forests, exploring active tide pools, and boating on green waters in search of bald eagles, harbor seals, and black guillemots. As an Acadia Teacher Fellow, this became my reality.

The Acadia Teacher Fellowship, facilitated by Acadia’s Education Coordinator, Kate Petrie, offered me a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Acadia National Park. As a fellow, I joined the park’s interpretation and education division, engaging with the public through various programs and on the trails.

I spent six weeks exploring Acadia’s diverse ecosystems, from the rugged coastline to serene forests. I participated in activities, such as touch tank programs at the Door Museum of Natural History, a visit to the William Otis Sawtelle Collections and Research Center, and the treatment of invasive thistles on Baker Island. 

I learned about monitoring king tides, visited historic sites like the Gilley Homestead, and even received training in search and rescue.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the fellowship was developing place-based lesson plans that I could incorporate into my curriculum.

This experience allowed me to blend my passion for education with my love for the natural world. These plans will help my students understand the importance of preserving their natural heritage and inspire them to become active stewards of the environment.

Beyond hands-on experiences, the fellowship provided all teacher fellows with a wealth of knowledge and skills. I gained access to an extensive array of teaching resources and tools to enrich my curriculum. Additionally, I connected with other educators and park professionals, fostering a supportive network.

The Acadia Teacher Fellowship was a truly transformative experience for me and my fellow educators. Exploring the park, learning from experts, and creating educational resources will have a lasting impact on my professional and personal life. I am excited to share my experiences with my students and inspire them to become lifelong learners and stewards of the environment.

I encourage all educators to consider applying for this unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn new skills, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Read the full story via the Penobscot Bay Pilot