Terry Deal

Environmental Education Director and K-1 Spanish Teacher

I am a writer and naturalist with over 20 years of experience teaching Pre-K through High School.  I come to Evergreen with a MS in Environmental Education from the University of Utah and a BA in English from the University of Florida.  I am especially committed to providing opportunities for children to connect with the Natural World. I believe that it is our experiences with Nature that ground us as Human Beings and give us hope for the future of our planet.

When a student asked me in class one day, "Why are we always talking about butterflies," I replied:
The reason we are learning about butterflies is because butterflies can teach you about anything there is to know in life. Seriously! There are layers and layers of science to explore and, since this is officially a science class, that is fitting. But you can also learn about literature, extended metaphors, geography and math. There is history and political science, music and definitely art!

What about social sciences and religion? That, too! I teach you about butterflies because you can practice good stewardship of the Earth, you can see how each and every life makes a difference and you will learn that beauty, joy and hope can be found in the smallest of crawling things. You will learn humility and reverence if you study butterflies. You will learn about yourself. More than anything, if you contemplate butterflies, you can't help but believe in magic; in the real magic and wonder that accompanies us through this life. So, my dear students, today's lesson is Butterflies!!!

email: terry.deal@evergreenccs.org