Educator Workshop: Washington’s Smoke Season – Integrating the Impact of Air Pollution in K-12 Curriculum

Date & Time: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | 4:30 – 6:30 PM
Location: Educational Service District 105, 33 S. 2nd Ave., Yakima, WA 98902 | Virtual option available for Seattle-area participants
Clock Hours: 2 WA State Clock Hours Available
Cost: FREE

As wildfires intensify, the impact of smoke and air pollution has become a significant public health concern, particularly for Washington’s most vulnerable communities. This workshop provides educators with evidence-based strategies to integrate air pollution and environmental justice themes into their curriculum.

Facilitated by Ryan Hauck, Global Classroom Director, and Stephanie King, Educator at Granger High School and our 2024 World Educator, this session is inspired by Stephanie’s dedication to advancing environmental education. They will be joined  by experts from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, who will discuss critical insights into the science behind wildfire smoke and its far-reaching impact, equipping educators with the knowledge to bring this urgent issue into the classroom.

About the Facilitators

Ryan Hauck is a teacher at Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish, WA. As a teacher of comparative politics and international studies, he is often applauded for bringing the world into his classroom by engaging students around the importance of living in an increasingly interconnected, interdependent world. Over the last 15 years, Ryan has worked closely with the World Affairs Council and hosted numerous International Visitor Program delegations at his school. He has traveled to South Africa and Swaziland, returning to write curriculum for other teachers to use. Ultimately, Ryan wants his students to think critically about world issues, acquire the skills needed to be globally competent in the 21st century, and become actively engaged citizens locally, nationally, and internationally.

Stephanie King, our 2024 World Educator, is a dynamic force at Granger High School, where she imparts her passion for English Language Arts while also guiding students towards University of Washington transcripts through the College in the High School program. Beyond academics, Stephanie is deeply involved in the school community, serving as a coach for both middle and high school girls’ soccer teams and dedicating herself to extensive volunteer work.

With a lineage rooted in education—her parents being public school teachers—Stephanie’s commitment to the field runs deep. She’s not only a respected educator within her own school but also plays a pivotal role at the state level as a member of the Bridge to College leadership team and as Washington’s representative for the NEA Foundation’s Global Learning Fellowship.

Stephanie’s impact extends far beyond her classroom walls. She’s a skilled grant writer, securing funds for various educational initiatives within her district, and her experiences as a Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms in Morocco are documented on her website, inspiring others with her international perspective. Through partnerships with news outlets and organizations, she champions student writing, amplifying their voices on broader platforms.

Her dedication to embedding global competencies into her curriculum has earned her recognition through fellowships with prestigious institutions like the Library of Congress, Pulitzer, and American University. But perhaps most importantly, Stephanie understands that education is about fostering connections and creating inclusive environments where all students feel valued. She prioritizes building relationships, taking time every Monday morning to engage with her students about their lives outside of school.

Stephanie’s commitment to social emotional learning and equity is evident not only in her classroom but also in her role as a leader in professional development nationwide. By promoting these values, she ensures that education goes beyond just academics, fostering holistic growth and empowering students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.

About the Speakers

Matthew Dehr serves as the lead wildland fire meteorologist for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, where he applies his expertise in operational meteorology and emergency management to enhance public safety during wildfires and weather-related disasters.

Previously, Matthew served as a Weather and Environmental Science Officer in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Louisiana, Japan, and North Dakota, and honorably separated at the rank of Captain. A passionate leader in the weather community, he thrives in fast-paced environments, bringing critical forecasting and decision-making skills to high-stakes situations. He spent 2 years in Japan, biked RAMROD twice, and recently became a 4-cat household.

Nathan Santo Domingo is an Air Resource Specialist at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. He works with the Smoke Team as part of the Wildland Fire Management Division. He is a 2018 graduate of the University of Washington Atmospheric Science program. In his free time, he enjoy concerts, skiing, pickleball, and going to sporting events.

Carolyn Kelly is an Air Resource Specialist at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. She worked for 5 years as the Smoke Management Field Coordinator for WA DNR before leaving for 2 years to work as the Program Manager for the National Tribal Air Association and joined the Smoke Team in 2024. Originally from the East Coast, Carolyn now lives in Olympia, WA with her delightful cat, Kitten.

Mason Friedman, DNR Wildfire & Smoke Meteorologist in the Wildland Fire Management Division (which includes both wildfire AND prescribed fire). 2019 graduate of the University of Washington Atmospheric Science program. He enjoys hiking and ice hockey in his free time!

Key Discussion Topics:

• The Burden on Vulnerable Communities – Examining the disproportionate health risks of air pollution on marginalized populations and incorporating environmental justice into classroom discussions.
• Wildfire Smoke in Washington’s Valleys – Understanding the intersection of climate change, wildfire frequency, and air quality, with a focus on real-world data and case studies.
• Integrating Air Pollution Across Subjects – Applying interdisciplinary approaches to air quality education in science, social studies, and language arts.

Additional Resources:
All participants will receive a supplemental curriculum resource guide designed to support continued exploration of air pollution’s impact on public health, policy, and the environment.

This workshop is designed for K-12 educators seeking professional development in environmental education, climate science, and social justice. Attendees will receive actionable resources, opportunities to collaborate with fellow educators, and earn clock hours while deepening their understanding of this urgent issue.

Register today by clicking the blue button in the top right corner!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Julianna Patterson, Senior Program Officer for Global Classroom at jpatterson@world-affairs.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!