2024 Zipes and Dines Teacher Fellows
The Zipes and Dines Fellowship supports preK-12 classroom teachers to further climate literacy education in their classrooms by using the power of children’s literature. Zipes and Dines Fellows receive $1000 to support the development and implementation of climate literacy curriculum, as well as reimbursement of up to $500 for outreach activities.
The Zipes and Dines Fellowship is possible thanks to Jack Zipes and Carol Dines.
Jess Emery

Jess Emery has sixteen years of teaching experience at Two Rivers High School in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. She teaches EL grades 9-12 across levels, and has co-taught in every content area. She is currently exploring a special interest in teaching math to newcomer English learners. She has been involved with the Minnesota Writing Project at the U of M since 2014, including five years as a teacher-consultant with the Pathway for Academic Success research. When she’s not in the classroom, Jess can be found running or reading outside, nordic skiing in the winter, and generally hanging out around Minneapolis. Her favorite children's book is Frog and Toad.
Nawal Mohamed

Nawal Mohamed is an English teacher and department lead at Ubah Academy, where she has earned recognition for her culturally responsive teaching and curriculum development. As a Carathor award winner and former ILI fellow at the University of Minnesota, Nawal brings a wealth of experience to her work. She is passionate about helping students discover their voices through storytelling and identity exploration. Dedicated to creating inclusive classroom environments that celebrate diverse perspectives, Nawal also enjoys writing short stories, poetry, and scripts in her free time. Her favorite children's book is Goodnight Moon.
Dana Donnay

Dana Donnay is a dedicated teacher fostering critical thinking through creativity and the wonders of the natural world. She has been an educator for over 20 years, specializing in Music and Early Childhood education. She is a teacher at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Preschool. She also teaches music in a classroom setting and private instruction. Dana Donnay is a professional musician. She majored in Oboe Performance at the New England Conservatory of Music. A nature enthusiast and animal lover, She shares these passions at the Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, where she educates guests on the benefits of mindful gardening, landscaping and biodiversity. Her favorite children's book is anything by Eric Carle.