Earth Day Celebration Art Made By Students
For nearly two decades, Mr. Joshua Roberts has been one of the Environmental Science Teachers at Watauga. This year, Roberts was named North Carolina’s Environmental Science Teacher of the Year. He is widely admired by the students he teaches and all students at Watauga as he tries to ensure a safe and productive learning environment for everyone.
From the classroom to the outdoors, Roberts approaches Earth Science with a hands-on learning style. He instills a love for the planet in his students, and his class goes outside whenever possible.
“He is so passionate about his students and making sure we have the best high school career possible. He is always advocating for us and giving us the tools we need to succeed,” said sophomore, Athena Elliott. “I am so thankful for all of the knowledge he has given me and for expanding my love of the environment.”
Roberts wants all of his students to succeed. Athena Elliott had Roberts for both Earth and Environmental Science and AP Environmental Science.
“Much like my colleagues in the science department, we want to do the science and not just teach it. We want to do a lot of labs and activities,” said Roberts.
The science department at Watauga is a close-knit group. Their classes often join and work together on projects.
Roberts shared that he visited the Watauga campus after having been offered the job.
“I walked all around the campus. A big piece for me was can I do the outdoor activities that I want to do,” said Roberts. “Having the river, the greenway, the rocks, the trees, and everything I study in my class, it was the perfect environment for me.”
In Roberts’s 19 years of teaching, 18 have been primarily focused on Earth and Environmental science.
“I’ve taught Biology. I did teach a section of physical science,” said Roberts. “I think in this department we’re all team players and we’ll do what we need to do for the school, but for me, Earth and Environmental and AP Environmental are my classes.”
The experience, work ethic, care for his student's success, and efforts to create a safe environment for all students haven’t gone unnoticed. This fact became clear when he was nominated for and won North Carolina Environmental Science Teacher of the Year.
“Interestingly enough, I didn’t even know that I was nominated or that I was given the award until I received an email and I was told that I got the award,” said Roberts.
Mr. Koontz nominated Roberts last year, which then extended to this year.
“My degree was in geology,” said Roberts. “I get to do what I love. It’s my hobby and it’s also my job.”
Roberts has a passion for his science and a love of teaching, which positively rubs off onto his students. Sophomore Montana Rattler is a student in AP Environmental Science this year. She has benefited from taking his class this year.
“I believe the reason he was named NC environmental teacher of the year is that, in addition to being a teacher, he is a friend and someone his students sincerely trust,” said Rattler. “He doesn't merely exist to impart the knowledge necessary to pass the AP exam; rather, he genuinely cares about both his students and the environment.”
This is a common feeling for his students. Sophomore Avery Moretz is also a student in Roberts AP Environmental Science Class.
“One of the kindest teachers I have ever encountered is Mr. Roberts,” said Moretz. “Whether you have worked with him or not, he genuinely wants the best for every student and is willing to assist you in any way he can.”
While Roberts deeply cares for his students and does everything he can to provide any assistance he can for them, he also makes learning fun and safe so that students can immerse themselves in their learning.
“Mr. Roberts teaches with a hands-on approach, allowing students to interact whenever possible,” said Moretz. “We do lots of labs and he tries to take us outside to really grasp our impact on the earth.”
A major takeaway for many students in his class is how humans impact the planet.
“I want to always have my students feel welcome in my class,” Roberts said. “I reach out to the diversity of students that we have because I think that’s important, especially right now in this country and at this time.”
Roberts is the sponsor for Watauga Social Justice Initiative and TBD, the gay-straight alliance club at Watauga. Sydney Marsh, the President of Watauga Social Justice Initiative, thinks he makes Watauga a better place.
“He makes Watauga a safe space by making his room an outlet for kids to learn more about themselves through TBD club and WSJI,” said Marsh. “He's a very non-judgemental person and very inclusive.”
Roberts exemplifies this idea in his classes and in the extracurriculars he sponsors.
“We have students of so many different backgrounds here and I want them all to feel welcome,” Roberts said. “I want my classroom to be a welcoming and safe place and I think if all teachers expressed that idea to the students, I think it increases student engagement and ultimately what they learn.”
Due to Roberts's tireless efforts to help his students succeed, his ability to make Watauga a safe place for all, and his passion for science, it’s no wonder Mr. Roberts was named NC Environmental Science Teacher of The Year.
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