Seeing more as an educator
May Watts was in all things an educator. She became the first Director of Education for the Morton Arboretum in 1942. It was a distinctive position making her one of the first interpretive naturalists in the United States. Her nature programming at the Thornhill Education Center merged the old and young; beginner and experienced student in a unique version of a one-room schoolhouse. She shared her vision and passion; helping students see more through chalk talks, songs, games and long outdoor rambles in the woods.
These were her Naperville years. These were the years of raising children and putting them through college. These were the years of being the "fun" grandmother; the storyteller, game player and nature guide. Her life as a teacher overflowed with eager students from past, present and future classrooms. Some were her children and grandchildren. Some were friends and neighbors. All were caught up in the extraordinary charisma and enthusiasm of this tall, lovely "Viking princess". A friend of Watts recalls, "she possessed some special magic to arouse in all of us who studied with her a vivid AWARENESS. We looked at a dandelion differently, or an oak or an old farmhouse".
Elizabeth Holmes IPP Annual Meeting February 25, 1993
These were her Naperville years. These were the years of raising children and putting them through college. These were the years of being the "fun" grandmother; the storyteller, game player and nature guide. Her life as a teacher overflowed with eager students from past, present and future classrooms. Some were her children and grandchildren. Some were friends and neighbors. All were caught up in the extraordinary charisma and enthusiasm of this tall, lovely "Viking princess". A friend of Watts recalls, "she possessed some special magic to arouse in all of us who studied with her a vivid AWARENESS. We looked at a dandelion differently, or an oak or an old farmhouse".
Elizabeth Holmes IPP Annual Meeting February 25, 1993
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