Educator Spotlight: Seth Landon

Seth Landon, an educator at Agape Center for Environmental Education, recently completed his NC Environmental Education Certification. He teaches field trips and provides  programs on a wide variety of subjects from geology and the environment to inserts and bird flight. In his personal time, Seth enjoys collecting insects, fossil hunting, camping and hiking.

Seth says his favorite part of earning his certification was the opportunity to volunteer with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). “This experience led to me helping with surveys for the federally listed Roanoke Logperch, Neuse River Waterdog, and Carolina Madtom. Each of these experiences across the state filled me with the greatest wonder and appreciation for rare and endangered species that need our help. Getting to volunteer with WRC directly to survey for the Roanoke Logperch was especially meaningful, because I was able to spend several days seeing dozens of fish and aquatic invertebrate species that are as beautiful as any you may find in a tropical reef. There is a special feeling that comes when you get to hold and see an animal that is found nowhere else in the world and then know that your effort can lead to future propagation and conservation.”

When asked about the certification experience that stands out to him, Seth says it was taking the Methods of Teaching Environmental Education Workshop. The methods class was really my biggest wakeup call that wow; I was actually doing this and needed to be all in. I already had some teaching experience, especially as a missionary, but this class taught me so many ways to be more engaging and fun as a teacher. It was especially meaningful to participate as a group and to learn from each other. After this class, I felt much more comfortable pursuing the rest of the certification, and I remember signing up for as much as I could handle on the environmental education calendar.”

For his community partnership program, Seth created an insect collection for the Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls. “The museum contains plenty of historical artifacts, but not many relating to natural history. I was asked to create something that could both expand the collection and serve as a teaching aid for the public. The final collection was 39 labeled insects from various families, complete with a lesson structure and information to be presented to museum visitors.”

Seth says the certification program not only changed his approach to teaching, but it also helped him find a job. “Participation in the EE Certification by itself is what got me at least one job. My instructor for Project WILD asked me if I would like to work for her as a program instructor, which opportunity I gladly took. I was then able to apply what I had learned throughout all my environmental education courses. I have found better ways to address unruly kids, get parent chaperones involved, and now have more confidence teaching in general.”

When asked if the program changed the way he views environmental issues, Seth says that it was the Ground LevelOzone: Advanced Air Quality Educator Workshop in particular that had a hug impact on him. “I was able to do a program in the Smokey Mountains, which was hosted by the  NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality in partnership with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This program allowed us to survey salamanders and terrestrial snails, both of which are affected by poor air quality and acid rain. We were also able to make observations on the air quality itself. After our data collection and observation, we were shown data from previous years. Since the implementation of legislation such as the Clean Air Act, the sky has grown significantly clearer, snail shells have grown to larger sizes, and plants are less ozone burned. These were undeniable results of changes made to preserve the environment and reduce unnecessary pollution. This course alone had the biggest impact on me, showing that we really can make a difference and that the earth can heal itself if given the opportunity.”