An adventure-loving, passionate science teacher who brings both global perspective and practical reality to his classes has been named this year’s AAPG Foundation Teacher of the Year.
Vincente Lorenz, praised by his peers for his skills, creativity and excellence as both a teacher and a scientist, is the 27th geoscience teacher honored by the AAPG Foundation, which began the popular program in 1996.
Lorenz teaches Earth science, meteorology, astronomy and “dual-credit” physical and historical geology for the 10-12th grade levels at Kokomo High School in Kokomo, Ind.
His classes have been so successful that you might say that as a teacher, he’s been to the mountaintop – but that’s only part of the story. He’s been there literally, too, in a way that puts him in a rare category, especially for high school teachers.
Among Lorenz’ experiences: He experienced the Nepal and Himalayan Trekking Expedition to Gokyo Ri, near Mount Everest, where he designed and implemented a geology curriculum that’s used for his students in Kokomo.
“The key (lesson) question is to have students analyze the plate tectonic forces between India and Asia to better understand geological process that have shaped the Himalayan Mountain range,” Lorenz said of that specific lesson plan.
“I … place a strong significance on the plate tectonic forces and geologic processes responsible for the formation of the Himalayan Mountain range,” he added, “(and) I encourage students to think about other mountain ranges and how they formed.”
Lorenz’ influence on his students doesn’t stop there. He also is the school’s science department leader and sponsor of the Environmental Science Club, which attracts more than 30 students to its twice-a-month meetings.
His first response at receiving the Foundation honor was an enthusiastic “Wow!” and quickly added he was “so very honored, grateful and humbled to receive such a prestigious award.”
As TOTY, Lorenz will receive a $6,000 prize from the AAPG Foundation – $3,000 for his school’s use in geoscience education under his supervision and $3,000 to Lorenz for his personal use.
Lorenz also will receive a free trip to IMAGE ’24 in Houston this August, where he will be publicly recognized for his achievement.
AAPG Foundation Trustee Chair Jim McGhay, in making the announcement, reminded that “providing fiscal support and encouragement for geoscience education is at the core of the Foundation’s mission.
“Supporting and promoting geoscience excellence in classrooms around the world is something that makes us and, especially, our many donors very happy,” McGhay said. “Through educational excellence in the geosciences, we know that students today are becoming better equipped to understand the role of the geosciences in our society and daily lives, and therefore more effectively deal with the challenges of tomorrow.
“From what we’ve learned about Mr. Lorenz, we believe his dedication and passion for both the geosciences and his students are something very special,” McGhay added.
The Mark(s) of Excellence
Students in Lorenz’ classes find themselves experiencing what some would call a holistic perspective to their geoscience education. Lorenz experienced more than rocks and vistas when the official International Baccalaureate teacher trekked to Nepal’s Gokyo Ri.
The event had a profound impact on his life and teaching approach. He returned to Indiana with the intent of giving his students a global perspective and a comprehensive view of problem-solving.
“What started as an epic and incredible journey has now become nothing more than a monumental surreal memory,” he wrote regarding the Nepal experience.
“The rich tapestry of interconnected societies, cultures and environments encapsulates a complex web of relationships,” he continued. “As I delved into exploring these interconnected facets, I became acutely aware of the intricate interplay between individuals, communities and the world at large.”
His lessons, therefore, embrace “the profound implications of globalization on local communities and ecosystems, while contrasting the educational landscapes of Nepal and the United States.”
Those around him have noticed.
Kokomo High School principal Angela Blessing praised Lorenz’ “passion for creating unique and impactful learning experiences for his students.
“Vince’s classes are not only engaging but challenging,” Blessing continued, “fostering a genuine interest in the geological sciences.
“The existence of a waitlist for his geology courses is a testament to the high regard in which he is held by students.”
John Pinson, Kokomo High’s vice principal, echoed that praise, calling Lorenz “a phenomenal educator who has a real passion for his discipline and content as well as the development of well-rounded students.
Even those outside the school have noticed.
“(Vincente) is an extraordinary teacher who consistently goes above and beyond his role,” noted Steven C. Smith, K-12 Outreach Coordinator for nearby Purdue University. “He employs innovative and engaging methods to captivate his students’ interest in the geosciences and make their learning experience both enjoyable and impactful.”
Lorenz himself is simply “so thankful to teach at a school where I am supported to teach discipline-specific subjects that focus on natural resources,” Lorenz wrote regarding specifically his “non-renewable and renewable energy research, design, construction and marketing project.”
“Students not only learn about the different types of natural resources if they take my classes, but they also learn the history and development of those resources,” he continued.
“A student who takes all my courses can learn an in-depth perspective and appreciation for each resource.
“My wish for each student … is to understand the fragility and significance of our planet – everything on our planet plays a major role,” he said. “It is critical that students acknowledge differences in viewpoints and perspectives while taking a stand on their own beliefs.
“If they can keep their well-being, their children’s well-being and their grandchildren’s well-being at heart, we will continue to make progress in the areas of natural resources and innovation,” he said.
“Inspiration, passion and motivation are my greatest classroom tools.”
Holistic … And Practical
Lorenz’ unique approach to geoscience education can perhaps best be seen in his lessons on non-renewable and renewable energy, which he said “teaches critical thinking, collaboration, creative and communication skills while focusing on energy and sustainability.”
In the course, groups of students select a location for an energy/resource location, and then begin to discuss how the site will be developed and operated.
“The group must decide how the site will obtain energy to run,” Lorenz said. “I want students to be innovative but also realistic. Energy sources like coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear are all viable options and should be considered or blended with renewables.
“I want students thinking about how we can best utilize our current resources while blending them with sustainable features for the future,” he said.
Students learn that locating their development site may depend on what resources are available for energy consumption.
“Removing all forms of nonrenewable resources is not only impossible but is fiscally irresponsible for some locations,” Lorenz said. “I explain to students that this project is for them and their group to research, build, and design; however, it must be a project that people could utilize and build today. Students must take into consideration the price of materials, taxes, permits, etc.
Knowing about our natural resources is not good enough, he stressed.
“This project provides students with the opportunity to discover how natural resources are obtained, utilized and regulated for energy needs,” Lorenz said. “Providing global examples of natural resources and real-world applications stick with my students for the rest of their lives.”