2024 POLARIS AWARDS

New educational award recognizes excellence in team teaching

BY AMY TOWNSEND

► In 2024, the Educational Department created the Polaris Award to recognize excellence in team teaching. At the 2025 Annual Meeting, National Educational Officer Chuck Wells presented the award to the ABC Dream Team from Cape Coral Sail & Power Squadron and the Kayaking and Standup Paddleboarding Instructional Team from Houston Sail & Power Squadron. The squadron of each winning team received an award as well as a $500 check to be used to advance the squadron’s educational programs.

ABC DREAM TEAM

Throughout 2023 and 2024, Cape Coral graduated over 200 students in America’s Boating Course, largely due to the ABC Dream Team’s efforts this despite Hurricane Ian having closed down the squadron for part of 2023.

All three instructors have extensive experience and knowledge in safe boating education. Ted Dawson, the 2020 Florida Wildlife Commission Educator of the Year, was instrumental in establishing Cape Coral’s ABC3 program and helped recruit a team that shares his educational values Ted, Tom Dawson and Bill Harris believe in taking their time with the material and have modernized the classroom using technology as a pedagogical tool.

They also incorporate videos and information about the local boating environment. Students are encouraged to talk with the instructors one-on-one and play with the classroom tools, whether it’s an electronic chart or America’s Boating Channel video.

While each team member can capably teach the material on his own, squadron educational officer Neil Pignatano said that as a team they provide a level of redundancy and back each other up and still play their own unique part. Scott Steele, who took America’s Boating Course in 2018 with the ABC Dream Team, confirms that each instructor has his own unique skill set.

“Ted is a storyteller with years of experience, Bill is a walking encyclopedia of navigation rules and boating law, and Tom pulls it all together with his ability to create content and practical visual aids,” he said. He found their knowledge useful in learning to navigate the waters of southwest Florida, even with his own years of boating experience.

Since 2011, the team has taught over 3,000 students “One of the reasons is the enthusiasm and energy that this team brings to education,” Steele said. Their excellence in teaching means students leave with a positive experience and opinion of America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons, which is why approximately half of the squadron’s new members have taken ABC3 and why Cape Coral is one of the largest squadrons in the nation.

KAYAKING & SUP INSTRUCTIONAL TEAM

The Kayaking and SUP Instructional Team teach a basic kayaking course in the greater Houston area.

In addition to providing a robust paddlecraft education, the program has increased squadron membership, spawned the Kayak Rendezvous program with monthly on-the-water trips, funneled kayakers into the Texas Parks and Wildlife boater safety class, expanded opportunities with Sea Scouts units, and increased recognition and visibility of the squadron and the America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons mission beyond the typical boating community.

Each instructor is a qualified American Canoe Association Level I or Level II instructor The basic kayaking course follows the ACA guidelines and lesson plans and is delivered once a month plus a training day. Two years ago, the team added a standup paddleboard course to the curriculum. They use instructional materials as well as hands-on tools like throw ropes and tow tethers. Each class features two instructors who tackle different sections, and for the on-the-water session, there is a lead kayak and a sweep kayak.

Since its inception, the team has taught over 300 students. The program has helped bring in 12 new members and brought new opportunities for partnership, including teaching Paddle Smart to 120 high school students and advertising with local REI retailers.

Mary Christensen, a student-turned-member, said the team made her feel welcome and at ease from the moment she arrived in class. “The instructors were incredibly patient and provided clear, informative guidance throughout,” she said.

Another student agreed. “The instructors were thorough, personable and attentive,” Theresa Keefe said. She and her husband also went on to join the squadron.

This dedicated, hands-on instruction makes the team and the program successful.

“It takes a whole team to put on a quality program,” Cathy Leavitt said. “Everyone is important to the success of the class and eventually to the development of the whole program.” ■

About The Author

Amy Townsend is the Deputy Communications Director at America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons headquarters. When she’s not busy trying to keep her rambunctious toddler alive, she’s remodeling her house one DIY project at a time