Celeste Kogl, a physics teacher at Farmington High School, has completed a rigorous 12-credit course through Hamline University’s Graduate School of Education’s continuing studies program and the CREED (Center for Renewable Energy Education and Demonstration) Project.
“The quantity of material paired with the opportunities to witness the topics firsthand through experimentation and exploration would not be easily duplicated in any other way,” Kogl said. “Overall, the learning that came from the program is invaluable.”
Participants of the continuing education program read materials, conducted experiments and toured many area energy providers ranging from traditional coal and gas-fired power plants to those that utilize renewable resources such as wind, water and solar.
The CREED Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing education to science, mathematics and technical education teachers at the middle and high school levels. It is the only organization of its kind in Minnesota and derives its funding from utilities and energy companies who sponsor teachers in their service areas.
The educational program provides training in energy with an emphasis on energy efficiency improvements and the development of renewable energy resources. The program provides useful information that can be transferred to the instructor’s students.
“Our instruction requires high commitment and a lot of hard work on the part of the teachers to complete,” Roger Aiken, CREED director and lead instructor emeritus, said. “Celeste deserves a lot of credit and she brings honor to Farmington High School.”
More than 200 instructors have participated in CREED’s energy education courses and workshops.
“This certification strengthens her science background and provides her the opportunity to enrich the curriculum she teaches at the high school,” Lee Schmitt of Hamline University said.
Dakota Electric Association and its power supplier, Great River Energy, provided sponsorships to assist with the costs related to Kogl’s certification.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
