Teaching: The most valuable investment to make for the generations to come

Every year, The Earth Prize recognizes an outstanding educator with the Educator of the Year award, as voted by participating students and selected by The Earth Foundation’s Advisor, Professor Mario Salomone. Todd Schumacher, teacher of design technology within the International Baccalaureate system and elective courses in design and engineering at Cairo American College in Maadi, Egypt, ?was one of the nominees for this year’s award.?

In an interview with him, he shared why being a teacher is so important for him:

“I believe that working with young people keeps me youthful and energized. They are exciting, energetic, and open-minded. Being with them reminds me of the possibilities ahead, as they are our future. Therefore, I consider teaching as the most valuable investment I can make for the generations to come - working with the next generation.”?

For Todd Schumacher, teaching and encouraging students goes beyond his classroom. Much rather, he sees the students as the hero generation of this century.

“I feel inspired and driven to help students achieve their goals. It's essential to connect them with resources and teachers who can support their learning. By doing so, we become part of something larger than just our individual classrooms; we join a global movement. I believe that today's youth are the hero generation, capable of solving the environmental and societal challenges we face in this century. It's crucial to make them aware of this broader movement of young people worldwide dedicated to saving our planet.”

A few years ago, while teaching at Uganda International School, Todd Schumacher discovered his passion for sustainability and engaging students in developing tangible solutions to real-world issues. He first discovered The Earth Prize online, and his excitement was immediately sparked.

“The prospect of students not only engaging in classroom activities but also creating solutions with the potential for global recognition was incredibly motivating. It shifted the dynamics of the classroom, with students feeling a sense of purpose and belonging to something greater.”

Todd Schumacher believes that this generation of students is capable of driving change and he takes action in encouraging them.?

“Many young people today experience feelings of climate anxiety and hopelessness when confronted with the daunting challenges our planet faces. Engaging them in The Earth Prize initiative serves as an antidote to these feelings. I emphasize to my students that they are the hero generation, capable of driving positive change. I highlight the value of their ideas and their potential to save the planet, contrasting their fresh perspectives with the perceived limitations of older generations.”

Thank you for the conversation, Todd! Read the whole interview with him on our website: https://www.theearthprize.org/2024-educator/todd-schumacher