Lawrence Ziese

About Lawrence Ziese

From sustainable landscapes to sustainable minds — my path to education was always rooted in growth.For years, I led award-winning landscape design efforts, educated communities on drought-tolerant planting, and helped redefine how we interact with the land. But the part of my work that always lit me up most wasn’t just the design — it was the teaching. Whether giving public LEED talks, mentoring teams, or volunteering in schools, I realized that planting knowledge was just as impactful as planting gardens.That realization led me to pursue a Master’s in Education with a concentration in STEAM. I’m driven to bring together hands-on learning, environmental awareness, and creative problem-solving in ways that empower the next generation—especially those who don’t always see themselves reflected in science or design fields.Education, like good design, is about creating the conditions where people can thrive.

Experience

1. Stem Organizer

   Elysian Heights Elementary School

   Sep 2023 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   At Elysian Heights Elementary, I served as a long-term volunteer focused on student enrichment and community connection. My work involved directly supporting classroom instruction, fostering creativity, and helping students explore science and nature through hands-on learning.Key contributions: • Assisted teachers in project-based learning activities, particularly those involving nature, sustainability, and the arts. • Created and led outdoor learning experiences, drawing from my background in landscape design and botany to bring STEAM concepts to life. • Built relationships with students and staff, offering mentorship, encouragement, and consistent presence in the school community. • Supported a diverse student population, contributing to an inclusive and curious classroom environment.This experience deepened my passion for education and clarified my goal of becoming a transformative, student-centered educator—one who connects the environment, equity, and exploration in the classroom.

Education

• University of San Diego

  Masters of Education

  2025 — 2027

• California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

  BS

  2004 — 2008

Skills

• Garden
• Landscaping
• Public Speaking
• Green Building
• Garden Design
• Sustainable Design
• Site Planning
• Zombie Slaying
• Wedding Planning
• Landscape Design
• Leed
• Irrigation
• Graphic Design
• Hardscape
• Herbal Remedies
• Sketching
• Photoshop
• Sketchup
• Landscape Architecture
• Landscape Construction
• Integrated Pest Management
• Social Media
• Party Planning
• Native Plants
• Ethnobotany
• Social Media Marketing
• Event Planning
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Non-Profit Fund Development
• Event Management
• Event Designing
• Streetscape
• Planting Plans