6/30/2021
Education and Outreach
Last December, Jeremy Lawson was pondering a career change.
Despondent about the effects of the pandemic and questioning whether he was still making a difference in the lives of his students, the Desert Pines High School geology teacher thought maybe it was time to consider another occupation.
That is, until his phone buzzed with an email telling him that a student had nominated him for a Heart of Education Award.
“It was a sign,” Lawson says. “I was actually making a difference.”
Multiple students went on to add to Lawson’s nomination, with one student describing how Lawson teaches more than just geology.
“He also teaches us new things about life and how we have to thrive to be successful in the future,” wrote the student.
Because of his efforts to support his students both in and beyond the classroom, The Smith Center named Lawson one of the top 20 teachers for its sixth-annual Heart of Education Awards, honoring outstanding Clark County School District educators.
“Being honored with a Heart of Education Award was truly meaningful, especially after this past year of distance learning,” says Lawson. “It confirms all the hard work and reminds me that choosing to teach was the best decision I ever made.”
Combining Two Passions
It was Lawson’s mother, a high school principal, who encouraged him to become a teacher.
"I worked as a geoscientist in school as a student worker and in the private sector over the years, but it didn't feel like I was making a difference," Lawson says. “My mother told me that I could combine the two things I’m most passionate about – science and making the world a better place – if I became a teacher.”
After working for a year as a substitute teacher, Lawson joined the science department at Desert Pines in 2015.
In his capacity, Lawson teaches a combination of traditional and honors classes in geological sciences.
He says the classes are popular because environmental sciences represent one of the fastest-growing career fields today.
“The need to address climate change has created a lot of opportunity,” Lawson says.
One student who nominated Lawson says his class “has the answer to all my burning questions about life and the universe.”
For Lawson, who grew up fascinated by programs on The Discovery Channel, that was particularly exciting to read.
“Inspiring students to be curious about the world around them is my goal,” he says.
An Open Door Policy
Aside from his academic responsibilities, Lawson is distinguished for his commitment to mentoring the students at his school.
“The vast majority of our school population is low income, with many parents unable to get involved because of their jobs or other reasons,” he explains.
As a mentor, Lawson monitors students’ grades, listens to their concerns and attends their games. He’ll even attend baby showers or family gatherings when invited.
To encourage communication with students, Lawson says his classroom door is always open and students are invited to come in for snacks, provided free by Lawson thanks to regular trips to Costco, anytime.
“I want to reach as many kids as possible, even if they aren’t taking my classes,” he says.
Making It Official
Lawson was in the process of creating a formal mentoring program for his school before the pandemic hit.
“It was a temporary setback, but we’re continuing to develop it and plan to kick it off the in the new school year,” says Lawson, who dreams of expanding such a program districtwide. “We find that there is overwhelming support among students for mentoring opportunities.”
Some students have even stepped forward to help mentor younger students, he adds.
When asked what can help make a difference for students, Lawson says he looks for whatever might be missing in their lives.
“I work very hard to fill that hole in their life, and I think they know that I can be there for them in a variety of roles,” he says. “Getting that out there, spreading the word, that is what is so important to me.”