Michael Gates Email & Phone Number

San Antonio, Texas, United States

San Antonio, Texas, United States

Little Rock, Arkansas

Front-lines position, responsible for developing, facilitating and evaluating youth and adult educational programming, training and mentoring interns, teen volunteers, and adult docent volunteers, developing and maintaining zoo signage and graphics. Also responsible for presenting a wide variety of animal ambassadors for events, shows, and zoo education programs and completing animal care routines for African Penguins and other ambassador animals as needed.Over the course of my time at the Little Rock Zoo I have:· Developed NGSS aligned programming materials for an annual partnership with the Little Rock School District, where their entire 3rd Grade received kits of learningtools as well as exclusive interpretive stations during their field trip to the zoo.· Supported the work of four classrooms on zoo-centered project-based learning that benefited both the students and the zoo through Project Zoo and the Zoo Academy.· Organized developed materials for and presented on the Little Rock Zoo Kids Task Force, which supported the work of the Mayor’s Taskforce for the Future of the Zoo.· Developed training materials for Conservation Education Interns in 2019, includingappropriate customer service and interpretive programming techniques.· Implemented new training and mentoring strategies for adult Docent and Teen Volunteers to help ensure the quality of educational and interpretive programs and enhance their volunteer experience.· Developed workshops for Animal Care Staff to help improve the quality and impact of their Keeper Chats using interpretive techniques.· Developed and led distance learning programs in response to the ongoing health crisis, including virtual camp and virtual workshops for economics teachers.

Greater Memphis Area

Front lines position, responsible for leading a team to facilitate inquiry-based learning through guided tours, fun lessons and activities, and presentation of a range of ambassador animals during after-hours programs.

Jonesboro, Arkansas Area

Student worker in the Office of Recruitment (2016-2017) and at ASU Online Services Faculty Support (2017/2018).

Took a lead role with day to day operations of the Tinkering Studio.Welcomed and interacted with visitors to the museum and special events.Hosted group tours and birthday parties.

Little Rock, Arkansas

Assisted with day to day operations, welcoming guests and group toursDeveloped original active and passive programs and exhibits for public presentation that promoted inquiry based learning and exploration.Presented established group programs, animal feedings, story times, and nature walks for public.Maintained live animal collection and updated animal care manual.