Mary Blair Ogburn
Sylva,NC
Summary
An education professional with a proven track record of fostering engaging and inclusive learning environments. I have successfully designed and delivered curricula that enhance students' comprehension of complex scientific concepts. Known for strong teamwork and adaptability, I always strive for effective collaboration with colleagues and am responsive to changing educational needs.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
High School Science Teacher
Swain County High School
08.2023 - Current
- Plan, prepare, and teach science curriculum, giving students individual support when needed.
- Enhance classroom environment for effective learning by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world applications of scientific concepts.
- Participate in professional development workshops to stay updated on current research findings and best practices in science education.
- Implement inquiry-based learning techniques in the classroom, promoting curiosity and active engagement among students.
- Demonstrate positive and effective classroom management skills.
- Utilize diverse instructional approaches to accommodate different learning styles.
High School Science Teacher
The Academy at SOAR
07.2020 - 06.2023
- Incorporated project-based learning into the curriculum, challenging students to apply scientific principles in real-world situations.
- Designed innovative science curricula to challenge students with ADHD and ASD in grades 9-12 as they engaged in expeditionary learning and travel (both nationally and internationally).
- Encouraged creative and sound lab experimentation in Chemistry, Biology and Earth Science classes.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons that connected science with other subjects, fostering a well-rounded private boarding school education.
- Cultivated positive relationships with students, parents and staff to optimize instruction and support learning outcomes.
5th Grade Field Instructor
Muddy Sneakers
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Incorporated naturalist skills, wilderness leadership training, leave no trace ethics, and classroom management skills into a holistic outdoor learning experience
- Spent a summer as Lead instructor for Muddy Sneakers Camp, ages 6-15, and supervised/mentored assistant instructors
- Organized field trips and off-site excursions, providing students with unique opportunities for experiential learning in relevant environments.
- Managed classroom dynamics effectively, addressing conflicts and challenges promptly while maintaining a respectful and inclusive learning atmosphere.
- Delivered engaging presentations on specialized topics related to the subject matter, drawing from personal experience and expertise in the field.
Outdoor Education Instructor
Southwestern Community College
09.2018 - 06.2019
- Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
- Nurtured an inclusive learning environment that celebrated diversity, promoted equity, and fostered a sense of belonging among participants.
- Promoted environmental awareness with engaging lessons on local flora, fauna, and conservation practices.
- Facilitated meaningful connections between students and nature with immersive outdoor experiences tailored to individual interests and abilities.
- Ensured successful program completion for students through regular progress checks and personalized support.
Middle Grades Science and Spanish Teacher
Mountain Discovery Charter School
11.2015 - 06.2017
- Contributed to curriculum development, ensuring alignment with state standards and incorporation of best practices in Science and Foreign language instruction.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and academic performance.
- Consistently enforced policies while maintaining fairness and respect toward all students.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment by fostering open communication between students and adults.
- Improved student comprehension by utilizing creative teaching methods such as the five E's (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate)
- Boosted student engagement with interactive activities that incorporated authentic materials from Spanish-speaking countries.
- Enhanced cultural awareness in students by incorporating Spanish customs, traditions, and history into lessons.
- Co-led Outward Bound style expeditionary learning field trips, backpacking trips, and natural history camping and canoeing trips in the Great Smoky Mountains (for 7th and 8th graders).
MYLES of Science Program Director
Montreat College
03.2014 - 03.2016
- Directed the field based summer science program as part of my graduate assistantship at Montreat College.
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Helped to train and supervise college aged Myles of Science teaching and backpacking staff.
- Wrote the Burroughs Wellcome Fund grant reports at the end of each program year.
- Planned and implemented MYLES field experiences and science projects in conjunction with park rangers at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP)
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Created marketing strategies to attract high school students to our program, with the help of the Montreat College marketing and outdoor education departments.
Education Director/Senior Naturalist
Balsam Mountain Trust
03.2005 - 03.2014
- Coordinated and managed the summer nature camps for 8 years
- Led hikes and nature walks on a weekly basis for private homeowners and the public
- Co-designed nature center exhibits to showcase the natural & cultural history of the area
- Co-managed resident animal ambassadors like birds of prey, reptiles and more; active in animal husbandry and enrichment
- Instituted and managed the bluebird golf course nest box program
- Directed the student volunteer program
- Programmed to thousands of k-12 school students each year using live animals and in-house curriculum
- Produced nature articles for in-house publications and took an online creative writing course
- Developed & maintained local partnerships with EENC and other organizations like Western Carolina University
Environmental Educator
Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
05.2001 - 06.2003
- Organized and taught nature programs to schools and community groups using live animals (birds, amphibians and reptiles); also co-managed animal husbandry duties
- Directed & trained staff during summer day camps, field trips, and eco-tours, wrote curriculum for camps
- Co-managed the volunteer staff during garden work, animal care, teaching and interpretation
- Helped create the native plant garden and nature center exhibits
- Created an interpretive tree trail on the grounds of the Latta Plantation Nature Center (for my EENC certification final project, certified in 2005)
Resident Naturalist
Ecolodge San Luis
08.1999 - 05.2000
- Guided botanical walks, birding hikes, and night hikes for guests at the lodge
- Taught tropical ecology, marine biology, and botany classes for visiting university classes
- Researched bird habitat use of coffee plantations on local farms, learning about coffee production
Research Assistant
North Carolina State University
06.1997 - 08.1999
- Learned to bird by ear for conducting forest service bird point counts, also searched for & monitored bird nests
- Conducted plot and tree surveys in the Pisgah National Forest
- Learned native plant species, native wildlife species, and trained in outdoor survival skills
Research Intern
Smithsonian Conservation and Research Institute
06.1995 - 08.1996
- Assisted in mammal, bird, and plant studies as a research intern
- Learned to bird band using mist nets
- Set up and monitored small mammal traps, gathered research data on field mice, shrews, wood rats
- Took part in an ovenbird study using false ovenbird nests, used spot-mapping to find real nests of ovenbirds
Fulfillment and Publications Manager
Harvard Health Letter
02.1991 - 03.1992
- Directed the fulfillment department and reorganized the back issue and special orders domain of the Harvard Health Letter
- Managed, hired and supervised up to 10 temporary employees and their schedules
- Maintained a database of huge amounts of envelope and telephone orders, and served as primary customer service agent to elderly health letter subscribers
- Kept track of large amounts of money, made bank deposits, and created budget reports; attended budget meetings and presented department information
- Created Microsoft Access files for orders and mailing labels
Education
M.S. - Environmental Education
Montreat College
06.2017
B. S. - Environmental Studies, Ecology
University of North Carolina Asheville
12.1995
B. S. - Business Administration, Marketing
Louisiana State University
08.1990
Skills
- Faculty collaboration and support
- Inquiry-based learning
- Technology integration
- Classroom management
Certification
- Lifetime Certified Environmental Educator, Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC), 2005-Present
- Bird Bander, Institute for Bird Populations, 2012
- Wilderness First Aid/CPR, 2019-2021
- Gestalt therapy training for teachers and naturalists, 2018
- Outward Bound Expedition for Teachers, 06/18
Volunteer Experience
- Vice President, Mountain Brook Trails Homeowners Association, 2014-Present
- Member & fundraiser, Plant-a-Seed Fundraising Committee for Mountain Discovery Charter School, 2016-2018
Timeline
High School Science Teacher
Swain County High School
08.2023 - Current
High School Science Teacher
The Academy at SOAR
07.2020 - 06.2023
5th Grade Field Instructor
Muddy Sneakers
01.2019 - 01.2020
Outdoor Education Instructor
Southwestern Community College
09.2018 - 06.2019
Middle Grades Science and Spanish Teacher
Mountain Discovery Charter School
11.2015 - 06.2017
MYLES of Science Program Director
Montreat College
03.2014 - 03.2016
Education Director/Senior Naturalist
Balsam Mountain Trust
03.2005 - 03.2014
Environmental Educator
Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
05.2001 - 06.2003
Resident Naturalist
Ecolodge San Luis
08.1999 - 05.2000
Research Assistant
North Carolina State University
06.1997 - 08.1999
Research Intern
Smithsonian Conservation and Research Institute
06.1995 - 08.1996
Fulfillment and Publications Manager
Harvard Health Letter
02.1991 - 03.1992
B. S. - Environmental Studies, Ecology
University of North Carolina Asheville
B. S. - Business Administration, Marketing
Louisiana State University
M.S. - Environmental Education
Montreat College
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