Educator Spotlight: Andrew Page

Andrew Page, a nonformal educator from Mecklenburg County recently completed his NC Environmental Education Certification. Andrew works with the NC Wildlife Federation as a contractor for their Great Outdoors University program. They provide field trips for children in grades K-12 to parks. He works primarily with the Boys and Girls Clubs taking children on nature hikes, canoeing, fishing, bike riding and on other outdoor activities. 

Andrew says he was introduced to Environmental Education Certification through the Master Naturalist Program with Mecklenburg Park and Recreation. The experience in the program that stands out for him is taking the NC Forest Service’s workshop, “Investigating Your Environment.” Andrew said, “This week- long workshop was a great opportunity in the mountains to learn many different teaching methods and to spend time with like-minded individuals.” 

For his community partnership project which is required for certification, Andrew organized a tree planting event. “With the help of TreesCharlotte, the neighborhood planted 37 new trees throughout the common areas in our townhome community.” 

Andrew says the program changed his approach to teaching. “One of the many changes includes how to engage those who choose not to participate. Most educators I met shared that by putting those who won’t participate "in charge" of leading a group, or some other leadership role, it gives them purpose. This method has proved to be true in all cases, including field trip groups with students and outings with my nephew.”

When asked if the program changed the way he thinks about environmental issues, Andrew said that it did change his perspective. “I previously thought of paper products as "tree killers." While they do come from trees, the Sustainable Forest workshop opened my eyes to how trees are regrown when doing so responsibly.”