Springfield Service-Learning Champion Wins National Award
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Beth Nickle, a teacher for 23 years at Bailey Alternative High School in Springfield, Mo., is the recipient of a national honor recognizing her commitment to young people and service-learning. The Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award, presented by the National Youth Leadership Council and sponsored by the UPS Foundation, celebrates those who have equipped young people to lead and serve. The award will be given during the 24th Annual National Service-Learning Conference® on March 13, 2013 in Denver, Colo.
Through her efforts, service-learning has become systemic and interwoven with the academic and social goals of not only Bailey but the community. Beth spearheaded the Missouri Service-Learning Institute where middle school students from across the state gathered together for intensive service-learning leadership training. She and her students have presented at a variety of state and national conferences and in 2009 she was awarded the Teacher of the Year for Springfield Public Schools. Through her work, students have participated in hundreds of service-learning projects from recycling and water quality, to voting and tutoring.
“Ms. Nickle makes our school a better place to learn and work and our community a better place to live. I am constantly amazed by her passion for service-learning and the associated projects,” said Justin Dickenson, Bailey Principal. “Ms. Nickle has not only proven herself to be one of the best teachers I have ever encountered, but one of the best people.”
The Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award is presented to a teacher or community member who has created a living legacy through service-learning practice. The award recognizes practitioners who have equipped young people to lead and serve, both through their direct service-learning instruction with youth and by nurturing other practitioners to expand their service-learning skills and knowledge.
The Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award is presented annually at the National Service-Learning Conference. As the winning practitioner, Beth will receive $1,000 to maintain and develop service-learning programs at Bailey Alternative High School.
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At the National Youth Leadership Council, we strive for a world where all young people are valued and called on to lead. With passion, creativity, and ingenuity, young people can address world issues while strengthening academic, civic, and learning outcomes through service-learning. To that end, we provide programs and services that develop young leaders, support educators, and advance the field of service-learning. Visit www.nylc.org to learn more about NYLC and service-learning.
