*WEB CONTINUATION: This article originally appeared in Volume 105 Issue 3 of our news magazine, Amplifier.

In the fall of 1988, Jim Hartmann, teacher, began showing students the wonders of the world and encouraging curiosity in all of his students. Hartmann has taught different science classes throughout the years, but currently teaches Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science and Geology. Before shadowing his uncle with intent to become a doctor, Hartmann hadn’t always planned to become a teacher. 

“My original plan was to be a doctor,” Hartmann said. “But my girlfriend at the time, who is my wife now, was already planning to be a math teacher and she said ‘why don’t you see if you like it?’ So I did.”

Hartmann had a special interest in science throughout his education, and decided to take that path once he chose to become a teacher. 

“Everything I did was super tightly focused on just this really tiny piece of science,” said Hartmann. “I was interested in a lot of science, and so I thought maybe I should teach high school.” 

As a teacher in the Pacific Northwest, Hartmann often takes the opportunity to take his classes out into the field to encourage them to learn new things and get real-life experience with the nature they study.

“Taking students out to a place maybe they’ve never been before, showing them things they’ve never seen before or never thought about before– that’s a rush for a teacher. It makes you feel like, this is what I’m doing,” Hartmann said.

Along with field trips such as exploring cave geology, visiting natural landmarks, and exploring salmon life cycles. After his Environmental Science classes became a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program six years ago, he has been able to take his classes to new places to spot birds, like in Leavenworth, Washington.

“We’ve done a lot of trips for geology and birding and I think the kids have a great time, and I know I have a great time.” Hartmann said.

After 37 years of encouraging his students to learn about the wonders of the world, Hartmann plans to retire and continue spending lots of time outdoors.

“I hope [students] fall in love with nature and also understand how to think like a scientist. I’d like them to be able to think critically about what they hear people say.” Hartmann said.