Encore: The Power of a Plant - A Teacher's Odyssey to Grow Healthy Minds and Schools
July 28, 2017
Hosted by Jill Buck
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
Globally acclaimed teacher Stephen Ritz shows readers how, in one of the nation’s poorest communities, his students thrive in school and in life by growing, cooking, eating, and sharing the bounty of their green classroom. His innovative program began by accident. When a flower broke up a brawl among burly teenagers at a tough South Bronx high school, Stephen saw a teachable moment to connect students with nature. By using plants as an entry point for all learning, he witnessed nothing short of a transformation. Attendance soared from 40 to 93 percent. Disciplinary issues plummeted. In a school with a 17 percent graduation rate and high crime rate, every one of his students finished school and stayed out of jail. More than 50,000 pounds of vegetables later, he has figured out how to bring the magic of gardening into the heart of the school day for students of all ages.Join us as Stephen shares his practical solutions for growing his favorite crop: organically grown citizens.
Go Green Radio
Friday at 9 AM Pacific Time on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel
Go Green Radio examines the most pressing environmental issues of the day. From environmental justice to climate change, the global water crisis or sustainability in schools, host Jill Buck interviews subject matter experts to empower listeners to create positive change in their own communities. For over fifteen years, Buck has interviewed U.S. Senators, four-star Generals, CEO’s, scholars, journalists, activists, and so much more. Her panoramic view of sustainability themes has given her listeners unparalleled access to the world’s most captivating topics and problem solvers. Whether you are new to sustainability or a professional looking for a deep dive into the most current green technologies, Go Green Radio is the place for you to hear from leaders who are working to create a healthy and just future for all.
Jill Buck
Jill is an international featured speaker at business, public policy and environmental conferences, and has been featured in such publications as U.S. Mayor, National School Boards Association Quarterly, Working Mother Magazine, Women’s Health Magazine, Ebony Magazine, and Diablo Magazine’s “Women to Watch.” In 2002, Jill founded the Go Green Initiative, a 501©3 that is the global leader in environmental education, operating in all 50 U.S. states and in 73 countries around the world. The program has been endorsed by the National School Boards Association (NSBA), National Recycling Coalition, 9 State PTA’s, California Integrated Waste Management Board (now CalRecycle), California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA), and many more. Jill serves on the editorial board of the Green Schools National Network’s quarterly publication, Catalyst Magazine; and is a member of the Executive Committee for the K-12 Technical Council of CRRA. Jill Buck is a former Naval Officer. While stationed at the Fleet Training Center, San Diego, she served as the Legal, Physical Security, Admin, and Command Inspection Officer, as well as a Damage Control Instructor. She is an honor graduate of the Military Justice School, and a graduate of the Navy’s small arms weapons course, taught by former Navy Seals. Jill holds a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois, and a M.S. in Education, specializing in Online Teaching and Learning, from California State East Bay.
