Amy Jordan, a Schools in Parks Specialist for NC State Parks recently completed her Environmental Education Certification. Amy is based at Lake Norman State Park and works in the community to support park programming and outreach initiatives. She says the goal is to get people out to the parks to see first-hand why NC State Parks are so amazing. In her personal time, she enjoys exploring with her two dogs and husband on the weekends, planting flowers, hiking and baking sweet treats to share. She is always up for learning something new and is a proud co-parent of 15 baby chicks.
Amy says her favorite part of earning her certification was
the opportunity for new experiences. “I most enjoyed the variety of experiences
that let me explore and connect with so many resources across our beautiful
state.”
She says the experience that stood out to her was a NC Museumof Natural Sciences’ Teacher Trek. “I was able to attend a "swamp
treehouse adventure" Teacher Trek with the Museum of Natural Science where
we explored the Cashie River in Eastern NC on a canoe and camped on a platform amidst
the plants and animals of that amazing ecosystem. I connected with colleagues
from across the state in a fascinating way! Being in the swamp allowed so many
learning opportunities in the field and gave me ideas I could come back
immediately and use.”
Amy engaged members of the community and partnered with the
schools PTO, Lowes Home Improvement, Lake Norman State Park, Iredell Soil and
Water Conservation District and the Master Gardener program through Iredell Cooperative
Extension to make a big impact. “It empowered the classroom teachers by giving
them some skills and background to try environmental education activities with
their students and to have names and contacts of local partners that can
support their teaching of the science standards. Some private businesses like Lowes Home Improvement
and individual presenters were able to share their passions and support and in-turn,
built important relationships within our community.”
Amy says the certification program changed her approach to
teaching. “Most importantly the environmental education certification program
solidified my teacher "toolkit" by building field experiences, best
practices and highly engaging strategies to support student learning, as well
as my own!”
Her views on environmental issues also changed because of
the program. “I believe I now consider more perspectives on environmental
topics and look at the bigger picture. I knew many best practices in general
education and teaching, but the certification program led me to see the
connections between and bridges across curriculum areas. I also can now connect
traditional formal education with informal environmental education leading to
high student engagement and motivation.”
Amy says the certification program helped her change careers.
“I really feel prepared, and I can honestly say I am as proud of gaining this
certification as I was for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees earlier
in my life. I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities it has
provided!”