Educator Spotlight: Elizabeth Miles

Elizabeth Miles, an elementary school teacher at Waxhaw Elementary School in Union County recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. Elizabeth is the Sustainable Energy Teacher at the school where she creates hands-on environmental education experiences that connect students with nature. “By exploring natural resources, especially renewable energy, my goal is to inspire young scientists, foster environmental awareness, and encourage innovation in sustainability.” In her free time, she enjoys playing the ukulele, reading and spending time with her husband, their two children and their dog.

Elizabeth says her favorite part of earning her certification was discovering North Carolina’s incredible natural diversity. “I was amazed by how much I didn’t know about the local flora and fauna! With every class I took and park I explored, my knowledge grew. This experience has given me a deeper understanding of how to teach my students and equip them with the tools to be curious, informed, and empathetic toward our changing Earth.”

When asked what stood out for her about the certification process, Elizabeth says it was the connections she made. “I had the opportunity to network with passionate individuals dedicated to deepening our understanding of nature. These relationships have not only enriched my own perspective but have also enhanced the learning experiences I bring to my students.”

For her community partnership project, Elizabeth connected Waxhaw Elementary with Wingate University to create a hands-on environmental education experience for 5th graders. Through a grade-wide field trip to Wingate's Campus Lake, students explored ecosystems, built food webs, and engaged with college mentors. “This project deepened their understanding of environmental science while inspiring future studies in sustainability. By collaborating with university students and faculty, we strengthened the bond between elementary education and higher learning, making science more accessible and exciting. The field trip experience was formalized into a curriculum that can be mass-produced and utilized for years to come, ensuring long-term impact.” The project was highlighted in stories by Wingate University and Union County Schools. 

Elizabeth says the certification program led to changes in her approach to teaching. “The program transformed my teaching by reinforcing the importance of outdoor learning and hands-on experiences. I now take my students outside more often, allowing them to connect with nature in meaningful ways. By immersing them in the environment, I help them develop a sense of wonder and responsibility for the world around them. I believe we can’t expect future leaders and thinkers to protect our planet if they don’t first form a personal connection to it. This program has given me the tools to inspire that connection and foster a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship.”

She also says the program changed the way she views environmental issues. “After this program, I’ve shifted my perspective on how to approach environmental issues in the classroom. I’ve learned that my role as an educator is to provide students with facts and allow them to form their own opinions. There’s a clear difference between activism and environmental education—my job is not to tell students what to think, but to give them the knowledge and experiences they need to make informed decisions. By fostering a deep connection with nature, I can empower my students to create meaningful change on their own terms.”