Animalearn, a national human science education program, awarded Lynnwood teacher Dr. Jennie Warmouth an honorable mention for its 2022 Humane Science Educator of the Year.
Warmouth, a second-grade teacher at Spruce Elementary School, is also an adjunct professor at the University of Washington. She has focused on how animals can impact children’s development of empathy for her classroom-based research and curricular development.
“As a general education classroom teacher and empathy researcher, the humane treatment of all animals is central to both my practice and philosophy,” Warmouth said. “My approach to instruction draws connections between human rights, animal protection, and environmental sustainability with the goal of helping to inspire the next generation of informed and compassionate planetary stewards.”
Warmouth was the 2019 recipient of the Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship, which sent her the Arctic to track polar bears.
Briana Clarke of Park Day School in Oakland, California was named Animalearn’s 2022 Humane Science Educator of the Year. As part of her award, Animalearn will donate $1,500 worth of anatomical models for Clarke.
As an honorable mention, Warmouth will receive humane science education resources valued at $500.
Congratulations on your award! The impact of animals in the classroom have always impacted the development of students in the classroom in my experience. Especially with special needs students. I witnessed some of my most difficult, educationally and behaviorally challenged students instantly become calm, gentle, teachable students. It didn’t matter if it was a gerbil, snake, gecko, rabbit, or bird, the students learned to be kind to the critter and eventually each other and the staff. They learned to be responsible in the care and nurturing. This in turn gradually helped the students with their own behavior, relationships, and education. I have always been an advocate for animals, especially in the classroom. It’s amazing to witness the positive changes for some of our more challenged students. Thank you for your research and amazing work with kids and animals.