Head of the Class - Jerry Petty

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Story Published: Sep 28, 2009 at 8:53 AM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 28, 2009 at 9:33 AM MDT

By Justine Beauvais

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FIRTH - If these kids seem a little young to be students in Mr. Jerry Petty's high school biology class, well that's because they are.

But these kids are just the right age.

"We're trying to give these kids an experience in the wonderful outdoors of Idaho and our emphasis is habitat, says Shelley High School teacher Jerry Petty.

Mr. Petty and his Shelley High School students are working together to teach Sunrise Elementary second graders everything from edible plants to furs and skulls.

"It's just a great spot for a variety of wildlife and wild plants for the kids to study them," says Petty.

But studying got started long before this outdoor lesson plan took place, as Mr. Petty taught more than what was on his regular classroom agenda.

"The high school students come in before and after school and get training and get some information on their particular station," he says.

And with all this information one thing is certain, there's a lot going on.

"You can learn a lot from him," says student Bryn Godfrey.

"He's a good teacher he knows a lot," says student Justin Russell.

"He's good with kids and he teaches us a lot," adds Jason Searle, student.

And Mr. Petty has been teaching for nearly thirty years and taking his students on this trip for more than twenty.

"They really benefit more than anyone because they are actually teaching the station and they actually take a part in it," says Petty.

"He's smart, he's fun, he's a little crazy but we all like him," says Godfrey.

Congratulations to Mr. Petty who is this weeks Head of the Class.

He will be taking home our Golden Apple Award courtesy of Crown Trophy.

Now if you know an outstanding educator making a difference in the schools, send Justine an e-mail at justineb@kidk.com.

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