Mrs. Strozyk, Environmental Educator for HCPSS
Published 12 Jul 2020
Tags: education, science, women-in-stemWhy did you choose to pursue this career? What made you certain this was the right path?
I have always enjoyed teaching and being outdoors.
What events, prior employment, or educational experiences led you to your current job?
Teaching swimming for 20 years and three degrees in science
What schooling, education, and/or certifications did you complete to prepare you for this career?
BS Earth Science, BS Biology, MS Environmental Science and Policy, Natural Interpreter, Master Naturalist
What advice would you give to a high school or college student interested in pursuing this field of work?
Spend as time outside on guided hikes to learn as much nature as possible, say YES to any teaching/leadership opportunities that come your way and go to conferences at least twice a year in your field to learn, stay updated on hot topics, and make connections with people in your line of work.
What opportunities did you take as a student that helped advance your career (research, internships, etc.)
Saying YES to as many opportunities I could fit in to learn about the environment. Also, creating a regional study that has received national recognition.
What does a typical day at your job look like?
Projects- training volunteers, research topics deeply, coordinate with community partners to plan learning opportunities for HCPSS students and HC volunteers, create and sustain programming for community to connect with nature.
What was a surprising aspect of your job?
The incredible amount of time it takes to create one outdoor learning station.
What qualities are necessary to be successful in your field of work, and why?
Positive attitude, hardy disposition, flexible, risk taking and smart. Teaching outdoors requires you to have vast information at your fingertips and you have to be to react quickly as the environmental conditions rapidly and unexpectedly change.