WHITE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM EDUCATION CURATOR RECIEVES 2007 HERITAGE EDUCATION AWARD
Recognizing her foresightful work, the Association of King County Historical Organizations honored Tara McCauley, Curator of Education for the White River Valley Museum, with the 2007 Heritage Education Award. The Heritage Education Award is presented to a King County teacher or an organization who has promoted King County heritage by the innovative incorporation of local history into the curriculum and/or through a project that involves students with the heritage community.
“Our educator, Tara McCauley, has crafted field trip experiences that fulfill a new requirement of Washington teachers, the Classroom Based Assessments or CBAs. Dawning white gloves just like curators, students study artifacts, documents and other primary resources, learning to critically observe and draw conclusions.” notes museum director, Patricia Cosgrove. “The CBAs are so new that most teachers are not fully prepared to take them on. Our fun, educational fieldtrips that fulfill State expectations are very well received.”
While many museums are experiencing a downturn in fieldtrip visits due to the increasing costs of bus transportation, the White River Valley Museum in Auburn is experiencing just the opposite. The exemplary partnership between the Auburn School District and the Museum allows for real curricular tie-in and classroom relevance in Museum programs, and District support enables every kindergarten and third grade student to visit the Museum each year.
“This award only underscores what we at the Auburn School District have felt for years, that Auburn children are especially fortunate to be able to visit such a remarkable community museum.” added Jennifer Traufler, Museum Board Member and Executive Director for Special Student Services for the Auburn School District.
About the White River Valley Museum
The White River Valley Museum is open 12 Noon to 4 PM, Wednesdays through Sundays, and by appointment for group tours and research. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children and seniors. Wednesdays are free for everyone. For more information call (253) 288-743
News
