Cowles’ Egherman is Izaak Walton Teacher of the Year

Cowles teacher Adam Egherman is the 2017 Izaak Walton League Teacher of the Year.

Cowles Montessori School Upper Level (grades 4-6) teacher Adam Egherman has been named the 2017 Teacher of the Year by the Iowa Division of the Izaak Walton League of America.

The Izaak Walton League was founded in 1922 to conserve outdoor America for future generations.

“I was completely stunned and grateful to receive the letter informing me that I had been selected,” said Egherman. “Their mission is to promote sustainability and responsibility with our natural resources and I feel this is very much what we do at Cowles and what I try to do with my students in the classroom. We work to connect the outdoors with the student. I am humbled by this recognition.”

The “Ikes” member’s pledge goes like this: “To strive for the purity of water, the clarity of air, and the wise stewardship of the land and its resources; To know the beauty and understanding of nature, and the value of wildlife, woodlands, and open space; to the preservation of this heritage and to man’s sharing in it.”

That certainly dovetails with the Montessori core principles, one of which is respect for the environment. At Cowles, that principle extends beyond the classroom as students literally get their hands dirty in the school’s gardens and other “green” projects.

Egherman will receive his award at the Izaak Walton League State Convention on April 29 in Vinton.