GLADE: Green Leadership Academy for Diverse Ecosystems

Two years ago Ann Wallenmeyer retired after an amazing career with Springfield Public Schools. GLADE is so fortunate to have her take on the role of Director this year.
Read on to get a feel for the passion and commitment that she continues to bring to the educational community!
Welcome, Ann!

Faces of SPS

Meet Ann Wallenmeyer, coordinator of science.

Q: "In your role, how do you help meet students’ and staff members’ needs?"

A: "My role is to support students and teachers by providing aligned curriculum, resources and lab materials. This includes collaborating with groups of teachers for professional development, writing curriculum for seated and Launch courses, integrating content, solving problems and analyzing data. Another aspect of my role is to provide materials, field trip opportunities and to help facilitate partnerships between teachers and community members. I try to share my passion for learning and science with everyone I come in contact with, whether it be adults or students. I think that passion spreads and inspires others. Education is a gateway to opportunities. I want our students to be successful, so that they can pursue their dreams."

Just getting a chance to post a few photos from 2025 GLADE. We got to band birds with Dr. Andrew George from Pittsburg State. We banded a common yellowthroat, male and female cardinals, female red wing black bird, indigo bunting, orchard oriel, a brown headed cowbird and got to hold a Belted King Fisher but we did not have a band big enough for him. A great experience for these GLADE students! Thank you to Dr. George and Heather, such a great gift of time, thank you for sharing your passion for birds! And frogs, turtles, bats..... snakes. The list goes on!