2013 PLT Outstanding Educator – Noel Chilton

Noel Chilton 2013 PLT Outstanding EducatorNoel Chilton is the 2013 NM PLT Outstanding Educator of the Year!

Noel is an highly skilled and dedicated educator, parent and activist. She was nominated by both her former principal at Coronado Elementary School, Anna Marie Ulibarrί, and her colleague, Cirrelda Snider-Bryan, Early Childhood Education Coordinator from the NM Museum of Natural History and Science.

Her work with the students, faculty and parents at Coronado, as well as her advocacy work in NM is well-regarded. Under her direction, the students participated in the creation of the inspiring video, “Coronado Connects the Dots.” Noel also led the 350 Action Day at Coronado, which brought awareness of rising carbon in our atmosphere. She signed up Coronado as a PLT Green School, attended the training, and worked with the students to complete the audits. She was also responsible for arranging the PLT inservice at Coronado. Many other activities were mentioned by her nominators, and we know of more instances than they mentioned in their nominations, such as when she helped facilitate PLT workshops as a volunteer.

Pricipal Ulibarrί, stated, “Noel demonstrates a quiet, focused and inspirational leadership. She has worked effectively with our parents, staff, and students to implement positive changes at our school. Noel is also very knowledgeable and holds a high standard for the capacities of our children. She is open to their ideas and has provided thought provoking, life changing experiences for them. I know she has made a huge difference at our site.”

Ms. Snider-Bryan stated, “in my 25 plus years as an educator and parent, I have rarely seen this level of understanding by elementary-aged children experiencing environmental education. Noel Chilton’s creative actions as Green Team Leader have guided youth to understand human impact on the environment, aided by her ingenuous interpretation of Project Learning Tree curriculum.”

“We know first hand the power and passion of Noel’s dedication to the environment and the role our youth play in sustainability. Not only is she one of the best environmental and art educators I know she is also friend and parent making a profound difference in the world. Our children and our community are thankful for all the small and large moments of beauty, enlightenment and change Noel has shared with us.” ~Lonnie Anderson via Facebook