We are thrilled to announce that Fifth Grade Lead Teachers Emma Peterson and Barbara Duecker have been selected as this year’s recipients of the Gena Lewis Distinguished Teaching Award at The Fay School!
Named in honor of beloved teacher Gena Lewis, who taught at Fay for 18 years and pioneered the “Open Work” experiential learning program, this award celebrates educators who embody her spirit of innovation and commitment to hands-on learning. Each year, the award provides funding to teachers who bring transformative project-based learning opportunities to our students.
The Award-Winning Project: Reducing Fay’s Ecological Footprint
Ms. Peterson and Ms. Duecker earned this honor through their leadership of the Fifth Grade Ecological Footprint Project, a dynamic, place-based, project-based learning unit that empowered students to answer the driving question:
“How can we reduce our ecological footprint at The Fay School and promote sustainable practices within our community?”
Fifth Grade Leaders worked in sustainability teams to investigate:
- Composting & Food Waste
- Recycling & Waste Reduction
- Energy & Water Conservation
- Green Spaces & Outdoor Sustainability
They collected data, interviewed experts, conducted field observations, and compiled their findings into proposals to present to school leadership, community partners, and Fay schoolmates.
National Recognition
This remarkable project didn’t just shine at Fay—it was selected for presentation at the 10th Annual Place-Based Education Symposium hosted by Teton Science Schools in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Held under the theme “Your Local Science & Global Impact,” the symposium brought together educators and students from across the country to explore how local learning can spark global change. Ms. Peterson presented “Empowering Young Environmental Leaders: Implementing Sustainability at The Fay School,” highlighting how students used local data and real-world inquiry to drive meaningful environmental change on campus.
Fay is a proud member of the Teton Science Schools Place Network, a collaborative of independent schools using place-based education to elevate learning through local culture, ecology, and community needs. The Ecological Footprint Project exemplifies this approach—rooted in Houston but connected to global sustainability challenges through student-driven research and action. Learn more about the Place Network here: Teton Science Schools – School Network
Additionally, this project was accepted to be presented at the 2025 National Place-Based Education Conference in November of 2025. Organized by the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, the conference focuses on place-based learning in service of meaningful learning and strengthening community.
Aligned with Fay’s Strategic Plan
This work beautifully supports The Fay School’s Strategic Plan, particularly:
- Priority 1: Deepen Leadership Development Through Emotional Intelligence – by offering rigorous, cross-curricular learning grounded in real-world impact.
- Priority 2: Redefine the Academic Experience by Excelling in Experiential & Outdoor Learning – by using the outdoors and the Fay campus as both inspiration and classroom for environmental stewardship.
- Priority 4: Create Valuable Community Partnerships – by connecting student journalists with community partner representatives for deeper understanding of Fay’s role in the Houston community
Through this project, students not only gained knowledge: they gained agency, purpose, and the skills to become lifelong changemakers.
A Legacy of Leadership
Thanks to Ms. Peterson and Ms. Duecker’s visionary teaching, our Fifth Graders have become journalists, scientists, advocates, and stewards of the earth. Their work reflects the best of place-based learning and honors the lasting legacy of Gena Lewis.
Congratulations, Emma and Barbara, on this well-deserved recognition! You have inspired your students, your colleagues, and your school community to think globally, act locally, and learn deeply.