Dr. John Slater
John Slater educates Middle School and High School students
through the NH Envirothon, a statewide environmental science competition.
In recent years he has helped to guide the Envirothon’s “land-based
problem,” and has steered it towards topics that encourage students not
only to engage with the subject matter, but also with their surrounding
communities. One of his colleagues observes that, “Getting the students out
to explore issues in their home areas has led to enlightenment for the
community leaders and municipal groups, businesses including farms, other
students and educators in their schools, their families and neighbors, [and
that’s] in addition to what the students discover. There has been an
important exchange of information as the students learn how the topic will
affect people in their daily lives, municipal rules and laws, and impact
businesses. Some of the students repeat their presentations for their
Planning Boards +/or Conservation Commissions, and other students.”
John manages the content for this statewide competition, and also
provides direct support for students, even inviting them to use his
personal e-mail if they have questions about presentation parameters or
other concerns. As one colleague notes, John often plays the important role
of reminding judges in the competition that “these students are not
doctoral candidates and should be treated in a positive and supportive
manner to help build their skills in making effective presentations in
challenging situations.” These are just some of the many ways that he makes
sure he’s on the same page as the students, working with them to help them
gain the most positive experience possible.
Perhaps the most telling part of his deep commitment to teaching and the
environment is the fact that all of the work he puts into the Envirothon is
on a volunteer basis, all in addition to his job at SNHU. We are proud to
present this year’s NHEE Middle/Secondary Educator of the Year Award to Dr.
John Slater.