Active EE Certification Programs as of March 2012
Arizona
In 2010, the Arizona Association for Environmental Education conducted regional meetings to obtain input regarding desired goals and outcomes of a certification program. Based on these discussions, it was decided that applicants will have the option of either being evaluated for mastery in all skill areas described in the NAAEE Core Competencies, or completing 100 hours of specific coursework designed to attain that mastery. Instruments for collecting and assessing candidate data were developed. The first cohort group of 24 applicants began in January 2011, with a 6-8 month time frame expected for completion of coursework and reviews. For more information on the Arizona EE certification program, contact info@arizonaee.org .
Colorado
http://www.caee.org/certification-environmental-educators
The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education, an NAAEE Affiliate, began its certification program in 2008. The certification process is a competency-based program where applicants demonstrate what they know and can do through a portfolio. A Certification Peer Review Panel, composed of trained certified educators, reviews each application based on the rubric in the Portfolio Planning Guide. Two types of certification (Certified Environmental Educator and Master Certified Environmental Educator) make the program applicable to educators who are brand new to the field or have years of experience. In addition, a Youth Certification Program allows youth engaged in internships with EE providers to take summer workshops to earn a certification credential. For more information, please contact Katie Navin at director@caee.org or 303-273-9527.
Georgia
www.eealliance.org
In 2010, the Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia launched its certification program Advanced Training for Environmental Education in Georgia (ATEEG). The program involves participants taking three core courses followed by an additional 30 hours of specialization workshops, which are professional development opportunities that advance participant content knowledge and skills. Finally, participants must complete a project demonstrating that they know how to apply the knowledge and skills to a need at their “work” setting. For more information, email ateeg@ eealliance.org.
Kentucky
keec.ky.gov/certification.htm
Beginning in 2004, the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (part of the state Education Cabinet) developed a certification training program around a series of four three-day workshops where participants interact on a variety of EE topics. Participants also must pass an environmental literacy test, write several essays involving a series of readings about the history and philosophy of EE, research and debate a contemporary Kentucky environmental issue, and create a detailed instructional unit tailored to their own individual program or situation. More than 130 environmental educators are now certified in Kentucky. The program is not being offered in 2012, to allow time to revamp course materials and work toward applying for accreditation with NAAEE. The course will be offered again in 2013. For more information, call 800-882-5271 or email elizabeth.schmitz at ky.gov.
Maryland
maeoe.org/eecertification/
MAEOE has developed a competency-based certification program, where the applicant will demonstrate what they know and can do. The competencies selected as critical to a professional environmental educator are modified from the North American Association for Environmental Education's Guidelines for the Initial Preparation of Environmental Educators. Applicants \demonstrate these competencies by submitting artifacts, such as lesson plans, video tapes of teaching techniques, etc. Applicants should have at least two years of field experience before applying. Request more information via the Web site at http://maeoe.org/eecertification/request_info.php
North Carolina
www.eenorthcarolina.org/certification.html
The North Carolina Environmental Education Certification Program provides professional development for adults and builds capacity for environmental education across the state. Individuals must complete 200 hours of professional development to be certified. Required components of the program include instructional workshops, outdoor experiences, knowledge of EE resources and facilities, teaching experiences, a community partnership project and continuing education. NAAEE’s Guidelines for the Preparation and Professional Development of Environmental Educators are used as a framework for evaluating workshops submitted for inclusion as instructional workshops. The program recognizes professional development in environmental education and acknowledges educators committed to environmental stewardship. This program establishes standards for professional excellence in environmental education for formal and non-formal educators. More information is available at www.eenorthcarolina.org or by emailing eecertificationnc@lists.ncmail.net.
Ohio
The Environmental Education Council of Ohio (EECO), an NAAEE Affiliate, began its Environmental Education Certification Program in the fall of 2009 after two years of planning by the program committee. In Ohio, certification is obtained by participation in three weekend workshops and completion of assignments that demonstrate a candidate’s competency in each of the standards as set by NAAEE. Upon completion of the weekend workshops, there is a poster session at EECO’s annual conference, so that the rest of Ohio’s EE professional s can see what our program participants have accomplished during their certification process. For more information, visit EECO’s website at www.eeco-online.org or email the coordinator, Jennifer Bucheit at jbucheit @ forcvnp.org.
Utah
http://usee.org/programs/certification-program
The Utah Society for Environmental Education, an Affiliate of NAAEE, developed Utah's EE certification program. Certification candidates participate in a structured online course to develop a portfolio demonstrating that they have the experience, knowledge, and skills required for certification. Candidates for certification also must understand and agree to uphold high ethical standards in the practice of EE. Each candidate works with a certified mentor/instructor as well as the class cohort to complete assignments/submissions for their final portfolio. The course also is eligible for graduate level credits from Utah State University. Contact Andree' Walker Bravo at (801) 328-1549 or director at usee.org. View the course website at www.foundationsofenviroed.weebly.com
