SACRAMENTO - "The Big Spin®" Show, airing this Saturday, November 8, 2003, will feature Assemblymember Lois Wolk who will present the Lottery's "Exceptional Educator" Award to Ted Wimberg from Woodland.
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17 years ago, Mr. Wimberg joined the staff at Douglass Junior High School in Woodland. He wanted to teach his favorite subject, Science. However, the students that awaited him were mostly at-risk kids. Understanding that at-risk students don't fit into the traditional school setting very well, Mr. Wimberg decided to create an alternative learning environment called the "Wilderness Experience." Through outdoor adventures such as backpacking, climbing, rafting and traversing a ropes course, which he built on campus, students are taught skills that lead to increased self-esteem, physical fitness, team building, mentoring and environmental appreciation. Most importantly, all of these exercises give students a positive alternative to negative behavior. "Ted's dedication is empowering students' to become all that they can be," explained Assemblymember Wolk.
The California Lottery's distinguished "Exceptional Educator" Award has been presented on "The Big Spin®" television show since April of 2001. The Lottery enlists various Legislators to present these awards which recognize the outstanding teachers whose extraordinary efforts help California students to succeed. This week's show aired Saturday, November 8, 2003, in 12 television markets statewide.
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