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Since introducing GardenConnect in 2023, Kate Leon has been inspiring students at Virginia Beach Friends School with hands-on gardening adventures and exciting plans to grow the program. Discover how Kate is cultivating a love for nature and curiosity in her students while expanding the garden program’s impact
Mini-Bio
Name | Location: Kate Leon, Virginia Beach, VA
I graduated from Centenary College with a degree in Equine Science. While in college, I instituted a homeless outreach program that was recognized with the Community Service Presidential Award. I have always had a passion for nature, gardening and a love for teaching kids.
What has been the coolest or most memorable moment so far you've experienced with your students through GardenConnect?
I started Kohlrabi seedlings for my 7th and 8th graders to grow and eventually harvest. During the growth stages of the plant, the kids were always very curious about it and thought it looked funny. At harvest time, we sliced some off and ate it raw in the garden. It was a HUGE hit and now EVERY student in the school wants to grow Kohlrabi and have it as their own plant.
How has the GardenConnect program impacted your school and students?
The Garden Connect program has given me the chance to explore more with all of the resources that are available to use for our garden program.
How have you integrated GardenConnect into your teaching routine?
GardenConnect is integrated in my curriculum, for all the grades I teach. It has helped me tremendously to see what other garden programs are doing and to see how I can fit it into my program. I also love being able to bounce ideas off other like-minded people.
When did you know you wanted to become a teacher?
I have been training horses and teaching riding lessons to able-bodied and non-able-bodied people for many many years. Since I was young, I have always wanted to teach in one form or another. When my kids were born, I decided to switch gears and follow a passion of mine. I love sharing my knowledge of gardening, butterflies, and nature with the students at Friends School.
What's your favorite part of your job?
Watching kids learn through nature and through gardening, it’s truly special to watch little kids get so excited about worms, beetles and compost!
What’s your least favorite part?
Writing grades.
What’s the most important skill you've developed on your path as a teacher?
Patience. Having kids requires patience, but teaching kids requires more patience.
What are your future goals for GardenConnect at your school?
We have a greenhouse going up in the next month. I am really excited about it, but a little nervous. I am hoping that I can grow lots of healthy plants but I know there will be a learning curve that comes with it.
Another goal of mine is to start a Farmer’s Market at school in the spring. Green Our Planet has given me so much inspiration with the student’s Farmer’s Markets in Las Vegas.
What advice would you give to other teachers considering joining Green Our Planet’s programs?
Don’t give it another thought, do it! Green Our Planet helped me so much in the first year and has continued to help me grow as a teacher and give me more confidence in the garden.
To learn more about our programs, join us at our next free 20-minute webinar.
