Mike is a Denver native who rediscovered life on Colorado’s Western Slope. In 2016, his family moved from the city to rural Colorado, where they learned to fly fish and navigate a stretch of the Gunnison River. This opportunity opened Mike’s eyes to the magic of being outdoors and forged genuine love for “his river.”

As a teacher for 25 years, Mike has always prioritized what’s best for students. He has found that genuine connection is key and his mentor’s words guide his practice: “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Mike, an alumnus from Good Natured Learning’s Teaching Fellowship, credits the Fellowship for being able to reach more students through integrating nature-based learning into his teaching. For Mike, spending time outside with students has supported stronger connections, especially as they see his own passion for nature. Stepping outdoors breaks the routine and fosters a deeper bond than in the classroom.

Mike hopes to inspire more students and teachers to get outside. Nature, when given time, can teach more than any curriculum.