In order to understand the effects of climate change in Idaho, you need to know snow. And there’s only one best way to learn about snow, says Jamie Esler, a science teacher from Coeur d’Alene’s Lake City High School. “So we take them to the snow.” Esler was named Idaho’s teacher of the year in November — for working to get high school students into the laboratory of the great outdoors. The centerpiece of his efforts, the Confluence Project, brings together students from six high schools: Idaho’s Lake City, Lewiston, Potlatch, Post Falls, St. Maries high schools, and eastern Washington’s Gar-Pal high school. Four more schools want in on the project next year. But when Esler came to the Statehouse this week, he shared a success story and delivered a challenge. Programs like his need stable, dependable state funding to survive and grow/Kevin Richert, IdahoED News. More here.

Thoughts?