fun fact! Morgan was the very first email we got the day our smile politely article came out! She was so excited about our program that she reached out to introduce herself, has been involved ever since, and we hired her 8 months later!
morgan duerksen, director of education + Pre-k teacher
My name is Morgan Duerksen-Balk (she, her) and I am thrilled to serve as the Director of Education and Lead Teacher. I ask to be addressed as Morgan as opposed to Mrs. Duerksen or Ms. Morgan by my students and their families in order To build collaborative relationships and establish equal trust, responsibility, and ownership over our school environment. I grew up in Belvidere, Illinois and now happily reside in beautiful Urbana with my husband, Matt Balk, and our young son, Forrest. We love to take bicycle rides together around town and hike in our amazing parks and natural areas.
what is your Favorite time of year and why?
My favorite time of year is late summer and early autumn as the tree leaves become brittle and the nights get cooler. I feel the most connected to nature when I am breathing in the popcorn-like smell of Prairie Dropseed grass on a chilly early-morning walk or bike ride.
What is your background in education?
I first became a teacher by leading programs, including Nature Day Camp, for the Urbana Park District. Those experiences sparked my enthusiasm for environmental education. For the last ten years, I have loved my job as a preschool teacher at a local daycare center, especially the singing and the science projects. I incorporated the ecological concepts that I learned while earning my bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois into my preschool lessons whenever possible. I left my teaching position to complete my master’s degree in Elementary Education, and I am delighted to unify my education and work experiences into my true passion: nature-based education.
What are your thoughts on nature-based education?
People learn best when they are asking and answering their own questions, and nature provides the perfect learning environment to have authentic experiences that activate all aspects of academic and personal discovery. I believe that understanding environmental processes and having a profound connection to the natural world are essential attributes of people who will be successful in the future.
fun fact! Natalie despises white chocolate in any context other than macadamia nut cookies!
Natalie Brown, Kindergarten lead teacher
what is your Favorite time of year and why?
I love the very beginning of spring when the little crocus flowers pop through the last of the snow and ice. As a child, this time excited me because I knew my birthday would be coming soon, and that meant a homemade cake of my choice and Mexican food for dinner. Now, though, I like this time of year best because I enjoy spotting those little signs of life after many weeks of muddy snow and mostly gray skies.
What is your background in education?
I knew I wanted to be an elementary school teacher when I was about 7 years old; I was so inspired by my first grade teacher, Mrs. Hume, who knew so much about plants and animals. I wanted to be just like her. I started working with children as a day camp counselor every summer at the Urbana Park District as soon as I could get my work permit. I also babysat throughout high school and college. I earned my bachelor's degree in elementary education from Luther College and graduated in the spring of 2022. Additionally, I earned endorsements in teaching reading (K-12) and ESL (K-12) and I am licensed to teach general education K-6. Since getting my licensure translated to the Illinois education system, I have taught 3rd grade and 1st grade in the Urbana school district. Now I am so pleased to be teaching Kindergarten at Bluestem hall nature school!
What are your thoughts on nature-based education?
I think nature-based education is not only a good way to teach and learn, but also the way that feels right to me personally. There is something so natural about allowing (and encouraging) children climb and run and take some risks. Spending the day in nature provides so many opportunities to learn and grow for students and educators alike. In my first month here I have already learned a lot I didn't know about our native plants, animals, and fungi; I would never have had the opportunity to learn in such a way without first leaving the traditional classroom. As a second-generation German American, I also feel the need to point out that "Kindergarten" translates literally to "garden of children". Young children especially should be outside!