Jennifer Mancke
Richland Soil and Water Conservation District Staff
Green Step Schools Mentor

 

Tell us about yourself.

I got 2 degrees from USC in Elementary Ed and Biology but didn't teach until the end of my marriage and our pet shop on Forest Drive. I then taught in a few situations, the best of which taught me how to integrate all subjects and grade levels into hands-on, project-based classwork and also exceptional field experiences when I was employed in a “country school” kind of classroom of 1st-5th graders. When those 12 years of heaven ended, I came on with RSWCD to help teachers incorporate hands-on and project-based learning and teaching in public, private, and home schools. I have enjoyed my time working in schools, where I sometimes introduced teachers and students to the joys of composting and vermi-bins, watersheds, recycling and landfills, the 3 Rs, the scientific method, and the importance of teaching others.
 

Why did you join the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD)?

I came on board at the request of the multi-talented and amazing Chanda Cooper, to take some of the load off of her in servicing the schools.
 

What do you enjoy about RSWCD?

I love the people of RSWCD first, but also the passions and even the meetings. It's wonderful to be involved with such (literally and figuratively) down-to-earth folks!
 

What do you wish to tell the community?

Teaching students and other groups to care for our common and rich land has always been important, but seems even more crucial as we head into the new territory of a changing climate.
 

What is an interesting fact about you?

Since I was a child, and thanks to my Dad, I have been a Natural Historian, meaning I can't learn enough to be sated!



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