The 2023 STANYS conference in Syracuse celebrated fungi education with engaging presentations by Diana Richards from the Fungi Foundation. Teachers embraced free resources and received mushroom grow kits, fostering a new appreciation for mycology in classrooms. This marked a milestone in the foundation's mission. Stay tuned for more updates on their educational initiatives.
November 14, 2023
FFungi Staff
UK Policy Lead
FFungi Volunteer
The 2023 Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS) annual teacher conference in Syracuse, NY, was more than just a gathering of educators; it was a celebration of curiosity and an exploration of the captivating world of fungi. This year, we had the honor of having our very own Education Lead from the Fungi Foundation as an exhibitor, and the experience was nothing short of magical.
Diana Richards, our dedicated Education Lead, shared her passion for fungi with hundreds of enthusiastic teachers. Her engaging presentations covered the wealth of fungal education resources available, all designed to make the world of mycology accessible and exciting for students.
As Diana shared the wonders of fungi, you could feel the room buzz with excitement and curiosity. Teachers eagerly absorbed the knowledge, their imaginations ignited by the remarkable diversity and ecological significance of fungi. Diana's presentations weren't just informative; they were an invitation to embark on a fungal adventure that promises both discovery and education.
One of the standout moments was the overwhelming interest and enthusiasm from the teachers. They were eager to incorporate our free fungi education resources into their classrooms, sparking a renewed passion for teaching and learning. These resources open doors to captivating lessons about the fungal kingdom, highlighting its vital role in our ecosystem and its intriguing life cycles.
Our commitment to spreading fungi education wouldn't be complete without the support of our donors at Mister Cap and North Spore. Thanks to their generosity, we were able to raffle off some free mushroom grow kits to educators at the conference. These kits will enable teachers to bring the wonder of mycology right into their classrooms, allowing students to witness the magic of mushroom cultivation firsthand.
The STANYS conference was not just an event; it was a milestone in our mission to nurture a generation that values and appreciates the often-overlooked world of fungi. We believe that curiosity is the key to fostering a lifelong love for learning, and our presence at this conference was a testament to that belief.
As the conference came to a close, it was evident that the seeds of curiosity had been sown. Teachers left not only with a newfound appreciation for fungi but also with the tools and resources to kindle that same curiosity in their students. The 2023 STANYS annual teacher conference was more than a gathering; it was a step towards creating a more fungi-enlightened generation, and we're excited to continue this incredible journey.
Stay tuned for more updates on our educational initiatives, and let's keep spreading the magic of mycology together!
