Nominated by Rachel Deterding (Lake View Community Elementary School)

Susie Hobart is a mover and a shaker in every sense of the phrase. Although recently retired as a teacher at Lake View Elementary, where she taught for 17 years, she remains involved in the development of Lake View as a Community School, particularly with the expansion and maintenance of the school forest and outdoor classroom. During her time as a fourth/fifth-grade teacher at Lake View, Susie cultivated a strong love of learning in her students by integrating civic engagement and environmental learning and stewardship into her instruction.

Currently, as the outdoor classroom coordinator, she continues to advocate for opportunities for our students and families to be outdoors, connect with nature, and be an active part in developing and maintaining the three acres of natural land that is footsteps from our building.

Susie is a skillful change agent and has made her vision of a welcoming, sustainable outdoor classroom and school forest a reality for all to enjoy. She supports educators, families, volunteers and community members in using the outdoor classroom so that children can have meaningful learning experiences as they engage in learning about and in the natural environment. Beyond the positive impact during the school day, the school forest and outdoor classroom is also open to Lake View families and the public outside of school hours. Susie’s vision, work ethic and ability to unite people from many walks of life around environmental preservation and enjoying the outdoors makes her most deserving of a North Star Award.