Geography educators gather on campus

Dr. Randy Bertolas, state GEON coordinator since 2004 and Wayne State College professor, said the grassroots group, consists of teachers teaching teachers and is affiliated with the organization which publishes the National Geographic magazine.

GEON has goals including building the endowment for the group from $600,000 to $1 million, publishing a fourth grade atlas for distribution to Nebraska teachers who attend GEON training, supporting geography in the curriculum and assessment of K-12 and colleges and providing professional development for geography teachers.

Bertolas said for teachers to take the time and trouble to attend the summer training shows their dedication to geography.

The group spent their mornings in a lecture setting in Burkhiser and afternoons traveling for field study of Nebraska and South Dakota historical and archaeological sites within several hours’ driving distance of campus.