Baltimore, Md. (March 20, 2003)-The National Aquarium in Baltimore appointed Nancy A. Hotchkiss as its new director of education. In this position, Ms. Hotchkiss is responsible for conservation education programs that reach millions of students and teachers at the Aquarium and at schools throughout the region.
Ms. Hotchkiss has extensive experience in aquarium and zoo education programs. She was assistant director of education at the National Aquarium in Baltimore from 1985 through 1991 and later held education management positions at the Bronx Zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo and the Miami Metro Zoo. She was the first director of education at the American Zoo and Aquarium Association in 1991 and is currently on the its Board of Regents.
The Aquarium offers several learning opportunities to students from pre-kindergarten through college. Staff members bring live animals and artifacts to classrooms, teach students to monitor water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and they lead thematic summer camp programs -- all of which are designed to foster knowledge and stewardship of the environment.
“Conservation education is the heart and soul of what the Aquarium does,” said Ms. Hotchkiss. “Our visitors include adults who came here as children and now bring their own kids,” she said. “Through new and engaging learning experiences, we help young people make connections with nature and provide them with a sense of stewardship for future generations.”
Ms. Hotchkiss earned a Masters in Museum Education from Marietta College and holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and psychology from George Washington University.
The Aquarium’s education program encompasses 11 staff members. It includes scholarships, internships, summer employment, a year-round high school paid-study program, school visits and summer camps.
The National Aquarium in Baltimore, a non-profit organization and world-class aquatic institute, is Maryland’s leading attraction, hosting more than 1.5 million visitors per year. Dedicated to education and conservation, it serves the environment, students, visitors and communities through a wide variety of programs.
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