Tracy Iammartino Named River Educator of the Year

Tracy Iammartino, an eighth grade teacher at Bridge Junior High School, has been named 2015 River Educator of the Year by Friends of the Chicago River.  Iammartino received the award on Saturday, February 20th, 2016 at the 19th Annual Chicago River Student Congress, a student-led conference.

The Friends’ Chicago River Schools Network (CRSN) offers students an engaging exploration of the Chicago River.  Iammartino and her students put the scientific method into full action throughout their study! They participated in hands-on activities such as monitoring water quality, stream flow and habitat restoration. Iammartino was honored for presenting her students with exceptional learning opportunities in relationship to the natural wonders of the Chicago River.

Margaret Frisbie is the Executive Director of Friends of the Chicago River.  She expressed, “Teachers like Tracy inspire students to see the world around them in a whole new way and help them understand that life is in the water, under the rocks, and in the trees.  They learn critical scientific principles, while being introduced to the concept that we are all connected to the environment and must work together to protect it.”

Iammartino feels that being a part of the MSU Urban STEM program has made a huge difference in her pedagogical approach.  She shared that her ImagineIT project challenged her to re-evaluate how she teaches her students, while integrating both technology and ecology concepts.

“I would like to thank Friends of the Chicago River for all of their resources and support.  I would also like to thank my supportive principal, Dr. Christopher Brake, who when I asked if I could take ninety seventh graders to collect data in the Chicago River said, ‘Sure!’  Thank you Bridge School 7/8 teachers who adjusted, scheduled and helped chaperone the trip,” Iammartino shares.  “Finally, I would like to thank my supportive family;  I love them very much.”

A BIG Congratulations to Tracy Iammartino!  #MSUrbanSTEM is proud of you!