Teachers Go On Field Trips Too!

Recently our education team visited the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and its neighbor, the Naples Zoo. The trip was a way for our education team to experience and learn about ways we at the Discovery Center can improve visitors' experiences and engage guests in new, fun and exciting ways.  

“While we are already doing so much meaningful and effective work as an organization, it was inspiring to observe a more mature facility with a similar mission and to be reminded of our own potential for continued growth and improvement over the next few decades...,” says Leah Biery, Executive Director of Education at Tampa Bay Watch.  

During this outing, staff learned about – and loved – some of the more effective hands-on activities the conservancy offered. Throughout the trip, each team member identified something that they felt they could implement at the Discovery Center. “Experiencing organizations with a similar mission from the guest perspective allows our team to step into the shoes of our visitors and expand our knowledge as well as bring back tools to the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center and our education initiatives,” says Madison Weaver, Education Manager at Tampa Bay Watch. Our team is always looking to improve upon public programs that are offered and field trips like this help ensure they are able to stay innovative in their approach. 

Aubrey Malone, Water Based Programs Coordinator at Tampa Bay Watch, shared an aha moment she had during the trip, stating that, “small tokens or free souvenirs mean so much to guests.” She went on to say, “I realized how simple it could be to make someone’s day, and how easy it can be to make sure a guest remembers and values their experience.”  

When asked about what her favorite moment was, Zoe Caraffi, Associate Director of Education at Tampa Bay Watch spoke about “seeing the team connecting, both with the exhibits and with each other,” and how the energy and sense of “togetherness” after the trip lasted for quite a while, “reflecting their shared passion for education.” 

Many of our educators stated that they would like to bring more interactive elements to the Discovery Center. “We were able to see firsthand how interactive the Conservancy was and how that benefitted and engaged guests in a more immersive learning experience,” says Grace Beane, Education Specialist at Tampa Bay Watch.  

Overall, the trip allowed our educators to step into the visitor role. It allowed them to learn from and experience an organization similar to ours in mission. Pushing and inspiring our team to continuously improve upon the guest experience.  

Haven’t visited the Discovery Center lately? It’s time for another visit! Check out our public programming and plan your next visit today!