Educator Spotlight: Matt Florez

Matt Florez, an outdoor nature education instructor for the town of Holly Springs, recently completed the NC Environmental Education Certification program.

As a instructor, Matt leads environmental education programs for all ages and is also responsible for archery programming. He says that the certification program gave him the opportunity to travel around the state to different environmental education centers and to network with other educators in the program.

The certification experience that stood out to Matt was the "Methods of Teaching Environmental Education" (MOTEE) workshop. “I think it was particularly impactful because it spanned multiple days and included pre-work, which helped solidify the content. The material was taught in a way that was easy to digest, allowing us to elevate our programs to the next level. Additionally, it taught us how to conduct assessments, interpret the results, and adjust our programs as needed.”

Wetland Treasures Sign for Hemlock Bluffs - Town of Cary Parks and Recreation

For his community-based partnership project, Matt designed and installed interpretive signs for the Carolina Wetlands Association’s “Wetland Treasures of the Carolinas” program, an initiative that increases awareness of the importance of wetlands for flood prevention, habitat and biodiversity. “Initially, the project spanned three sites, each managed by different organizations: a municipality, a county, and a non-governmental organization. I believe it positively impacted the community by highlighting the local wetlands, providing information on their importance, and fostering an emotional connection through the inclusion of charismatic animals.”

Matt says participating in the program changed his approach to teaching. “It has broadened my understanding of why we teach environmental education and how we can make it more relevant for formal educators who visit our sites seeking an environmental connection to their current subject matter. Additionally, the MOTEE program has provided me with the tools to manage classroom behavior and properly assess the programs I have developed.”

He also says the program changed the way he views environmental issues. “I've learned to avoid a doom-and-gloom approach, especially with younger children. Instead, I focus on highlighting the positive aspects of nature, educating students about the benefits of nature and offering a positive goal to strive for, rather than emphasizing the 'if this doesn't happen, we'll lose all these species' mindset.”