Jeff Sipper
(USA) - Teacher Explorer, Team Member
Jeff is a fifth grade teacher from Cuyuna Range Elementary School in Crosby, Minnesota since 1984. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to the educational methodology incorporated in adventure learning. As a teacher for the past twenty-three years, Jeff has recognized the need for authentic, engaging learning experiences. As a 5th grade instructor in the Crosby-Ironton School District, he has continued to bring such innovative experiences into his classroom. Over the years, his interest for the environment and the great outdoors, a passion for the Arctic and dog sledding has emerged. Jeff possesses the desire to instill environmental responsibility through his teachings in and out of the classroom. Since 1999 the entire 5th grade classes at Cuyuna Range Elementary School attend Deep Portage Conservation Reserve, an environmental immersion school each fall for 3-days and 2-nights to learn about the great outdoors and environmental stewardship. Since 2000 Sipper has also enjoyed a partnership with the University of Minnesota's Neuroscience Department through a program entitled 'Brain U'. An in-residency program this partnership literally allows students to learn neuroscience hands-on.
Completing his Masters Degree coursework in 2001 in Educational Leadership from Southwest State University Jeff was selected as Crosby-Ironton Teacher of the Year in 2006.
Jeff enjoys the great outdoors canoeing, camping, hiking with his daughter, Kelly and wife Peg. All three of them enjoy the hobby of phenology (rhythmic biological occurrences as they relate to climate) especially each spring listening to and participating with John Latimer, phenologist, and KAXE FM radio station www.kaxe.org out of Grand Rapids, MN.
GoNorth! Chukotka 2007 will be Jeff first encounter traveling on a large-scale expedition. "I am humbled and honored by my selection as Teacher Explorer and counts it as the high point amongst all the great opportunities I have had in my career" says Jeff. "I know there is much of this story yet to unfold, but I am most definitely in awe over the events that have transpired in my past two years (2004-2006) with team GoNorth! and the Polar Husky."
