Sustainability Victoria awards hero teacher

Andrew Vance, a University of Melbourne teaching graduate, now working as the Environmental Programs Coordinator at Melbourne Girls School, has won Sustainability Hero Award for Adults in the 2006 Sustainability & Waste Wise Schools Awards.

Andrew was nominated by his students for integrating sustainability and Waste Wise principles into the subjects he teaches at a range of year levels; biology, maths, science and marine biology.

In nominating their teacher, the students of Melbourne Girls College said of Andrew, "Mr. Vance allows us to share our ideas and plans regarding the environment, we work on projects to become more environmentally friendly and raise awareness throughout our school community. Mr. Vance makes all of this happen! He takes an open-minded approach to everyoneÕs suggestions and helps to create a sustainable and environmentally aware school."

Andrew says that his interest in the teaching others about the environment stemmed from his first year in the Graduate Diploma of Education, in 2005.

"I have always been interested in animals and the natural world, but it was not until I was thrust into teaching a subject called Alternate Energy in my first year, a design and technology subject, that I realised how important it was to teach others about sustainability and how fragile the natural world is," he says.

"There are so many fantastic, passionate staff at Melbourne University - I hope that some of my secondary school students may be lucky enough to have the same experience as me - possibly even undertake an honours project or PhD. Some of the most stimulating learning experiences I had in the Faculty were engaging academic staff in informal discussions on philosophy of teaching and the impacts teachers can have on students - good and bad."

In awarding Andrew with the Sustainability Hero Award, the Sustainability Victoria judging panel commented, ÒAndrew is the classic quiet achiever. Passionate about and dedicated to the schools environmental program, and managing a full teaching load, Andrew helps create a sustainable aware school. His work embraces alternative energy, Waste Wise, ecological footprints and stretches to the buying of Free Trade coffee in the staff room. He is an inspiration to students and staff alike."

The Faculty of Education congratulates this outstanding alumnus on his achievement.

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