TRICIA KYZER
Jocassee Lake Tours
TAYLORS,SC
1
Certification
19
years of professional experience
Experienced Environmental Educator and Naturalist with over 20 years of connecting diverse audiences to the natural world through experiential, place-based learning. Expertise in Southern Appalachian natural history, leading outdoor wilderness programs, and developing interactive science curricula. Proficient in environmental interpretation and educator training, fostering ecological understanding and meaningful connections with nature.
Work History
Educator Team
2 Years 2 Months- Developed standards-aligned field experiences connecting students with ecology, geology, and natural history of Lake Jocassee and Jocassee Gorges, enhancing their understanding of environmental science.
- Develop standards-aligned field experiences that connect students with the ecology, geology, and natural history of Lake Jocassee and the Jocassee Gorges.
- Develop staff training resources and facilitate annual staff training, supporting consistent, engaging, and effective educational programming.
- Contribute to staff development through training, mentorship, and leadership.
- Created educational and outreach materials that extended learning beyond field experience, fostering continued engagement and knowledge retention.
Educational Leadership Partner
3 Years 4 Months- Developed and reviewed environmental education curriculum materials to enhance teacher effectiveness and student engagement.
- Served as regional liaison between Aquarium and educators, connecting teachers with resources and educational opportunities to enrich classroom experiences.
- Facilitated curriculum-focused professional development workshops for educators across South Carolina, improving instructional methods and curriculum implementation.
Advanced Master Naturalist Course Instructor
7 Years 9 Months- Co-taught advanced naturalist courses for adult learners, enhancing their understanding of ecological principles through interactive learning.
- Developed and taught advanced courses starting in 2025, fostering deeper knowledge of naturalist subjects among participants.
- Taught specialized topics like lichens, evergreens, soundscape ecology, and patterns in nature, effectively translating complex ecological concepts into engaging learning experiences.
Environmental Education Developer and Lake Guide
10 Years 8 Months- Developed and led engaging environmental education programs for school groups, families, and adult learners, fostering a deeper understanding of ecological issues.
- Designed and led immersive summer family camps and youth kayaking excursions, promoting environmental stewardship and outdoor skills.
- Interpret the natural history, ecology, and biodiversity of the Jocassee Gorges and Lake Jocassee.
- Taught adult courses through Jocassee Wild Naturalist program, enhancing participants' knowledge of local ecosystems and conservation practices.
- Conduct chemical and biological water quality assessments.
Lead Middle Grades Teacher
2 Years 10 Months- Designed and implemented integrated, project-based science and social studies curricula, alongside standards-aligned mathematics and language arts instruction.
- Planned and led hikes, field trips, and hands-on learning experiences to enhance student engagement and real-world connections.
- Secured grant funding for field experiences and science equipment, expanding resources and opportunities for student learning.
- Led extracurricular student groups in journalism, leadership, and community service, fostering skills and community involvement among students.
Wilderness Field Instructor
1 Year 4 Months- Guided youth through wilderness experiences, enhancing resilience, self-awareness, teamwork, and personal growth.
- Instructed youth in outdoor living skills, emphasizing backpacking preparation, knot tying, fire building, cooking, camp setup, and outdoor hygiene.
- Taught outdoor living skills, including backpacking preparation, knot skills, fire building, cooking, camp setup, and outdoor hygiene.
- Assisted youth in overcoming physical and social challenges of outdoor living and group dynamics.
Educator
5 Years 10 Months- Designed and delivered standards-aligned environmental education programs for preschool through high school students.
- Developed and led summer camps and public nature programs, enhancing community engagement through guided nature walks.
- Secured grants to implement education and conservation projects, advancing environmental awareness and stewardship.
- Secured grants and implemented funded education and conservation projects.
- Created educational worksheets and graphics that facilitated field-based learning experiences for students.
Middle and High School Science Teacher
1 Year 9 Months- Taught middle school general science and high school marine biology, fostering student engagement and interest in scientific concepts.
- Designed science curriculum aligned with homeschool learning goals and grade-level standards.
- Delivered engaging biology, chemistry, and physical science instruction for mixed-age student groups.
- Assessed student progress using quizzes, lab reports, and skill-based observations.
Elementary Science Teacher
2 Years 9 Months- Developed engaging elementary science lessons and instructional materials, organizing day and overnight educational trips to enhance experiential learning.
- Designed hands-on science lessons aligned with homeschool co-op curriculum standards.
- Facilitated engaging experiments with clear safety procedures and classroom expectations.
- Differentiated instruction to support mixed-age learners across varied science abilities.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Associate of Arts
Skills
Appalachian ecology
Outdoor education
Ecological interpretation
Outdoor programming
Curriculum development
Youth mentorship
Adult naturalist courses
Staff training
Professional development
Species monitoring
Environmental monitoring
Funding proposal development
Certification
- South Carolina Statewide Master Naturalist Certification, 2016
- Upstate Master Naturalist Certification, 2012
- Nationally Certified Interpretive Guide, 2019
- Palmetto Environmental Education Certification, 2020
- Certified Trainer: Project Learning Tree, Project WET, Project WILD, and Leopold Education Project
- Wilderness First Aid and CPR — current
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Foothills Trail Conservancy, Board of Directors, 2019, Present
- Pickens County Art of Community, Advisor/Team Member, 2019, Present
Certifications
- South Carolina Statewide Master Naturalist Certification, 2016
- Upstate Master Naturalist Certification, 2012
- Nationally Certified Interpretive Guide, 2019
- Palmetto Environmental Education Certification, 2020
- Certified Trainer: Project Learning Tree, Project WET, Project WILD, and Leopold Education Project
- First Aid and CPR — current
Timeline
Educator Team
Jocassee Wild Child
08.2024 - CurrentRead More
Educational Leadership Partner
South Carolina Aquarium
06.2023 - CurrentRead More
Lead Middle Grades Teacher
Wild Oak Independent School
08.2021 - 06.2024Read More
Wilderness Field Instructor
Trails Carolina
02.2020 - 06.2021Read More
Advanced Master Naturalist Course Instructor
Clemson University Cooperative Extension
01.2019 - CurrentRead More
Environmental Education Developer and Lake Guide
Jocassee Lake Tours
02.2016 - CurrentRead More
Educator
Lake Conestee Nature Park
02.2014 - 12.2019Read More
Middle and High School Science Teacher
Vanguard Homeschool Group
08.2010 - 05.2012Read More
Elementary Science Teacher
Upstate Homeschool Co-op
08.2007 - 05.2010Read More
Greenville Technical College
Associate of Arts
Read More
North Greenville University
Bachelor of Arts from Elementary Education
Read More