People

Dawn Bailey is an Environmental Educator who is dedicated to nurturing a passion for science, recycling, and water conservation in young learners. Dawn brings a wealth of experience, having worked as a kayak guide in Florida, ranger with the National Park Service, and educator at The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. She is excited to help kindergarten through eighth grade students in our community learn how they can make a difference and do their part to help protect our natural resources.

Hello!

I am a Recreation Specialist for NC State Parks that partners with local schools/educators with local rangers to increase educational opportunities in the outdoors at schools and in the parks. Prior to me current role, I was a High School Science and Visual Arts Teacher. I strove to integrate subjects to help students make connections to subjects and their world. I am passionate about being outdoors and the beauty of nature and life.

 

I grew up in the Adirondack Park and my proximity to nature during my early childhood was critical to forming my love and appreciation for the natural world. I share that joy with all I meet. My interests in Environmental Education include Forest Preschools, Urban EE, Sustainable Gardening and Art.

I'm passionate about connecting people with their environment, specifically in working with youth. I have environmental education experience in a more formal setting through curriculum design and student teaching focused on experiential lessons, as well as less traditional formats (kayak tours, summer camps, community programs). These experiences have helped to develop my style as an educator and improve skills in communication, group management, community building, and decision making as a leader in variable conditions.

I have been teaching for 18 years.  14 of those years were have been in teaching biology.  As a biology teacher, I have lead environmental clubs in all of the schools that I've taught in.  I also have 12 years of envirothon coaching experience.  I'm hoping that my environmental education certification will help me teach AP environment and provide me with resources to use with my environmental science club.

I am the Program Coordinator for the UC California Naturalist statewide program. Previously, I directed the Office of Environmental Education in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (2000 to 2015) and worked in international rural development in Asia (1992-1999).