Three states have served as our "pilot" states in developing the program: Kentucky, Texas, and Utah. While each state administers its program differently, they have in common a set of "core competencies" for demonstrating proficiency in EE. These core competencies were developed out of NAAEE's Guidelines for the Preparation and Professional Development of Environmental Educators. Candidates for certification must also understand and agree to uphold high ethical standards in the practice of EE.

The Pilot Certification Programs

Kentucky http://keec.ky.gov/certification.htm

Beginning in 2004, the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (part of the state Education Cabinet) has developed a certification training program around a series of four three-day workshops where they 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, debate a contemporary Kentucky environmental issue, create a detailed instructional unit tailored to their own individual program or situation,and conduct an independent study. Kentucky had 98 graduates of its program by April 2007. For more information, call 800-882-5271 or email jane.eller at ky.gov (a certified environmental educator from Kentucky's first class in 2004).

 

Texas http://www.texaseepartners.org/

The nonprofit Texas Environmental Education Partnership is an umbrella organization for many of the Texas EE organizations. TEEP's certification program requires candidates to demonstrate what they know and can do in a variety of ways. Applicants provide a resume and letters of reference, document their professional development experiences, describe their mentoring relationships, take an "open book" environmental literacy test, complete a competencies worksheet, create a computer-generated product to demonstrate technology proficiency, create a program outline or lesson plan, and model excellence in EE during a video-taped presentation. After developing the program over several years, TEEP awarded its first five professional EE certifications in 2006, including one to Brenda Weiser, chair of NAAEE's Certification Advisory Council. For more information, contact Leslie DuBey Leslie_Dubey at nps.gov (a certified environmental educator in Texas).

Utah http://www.usee.org/capacity/certification.html

The Utah Society for Environmental Education, an Affiliate of NAAEE, developed that state's EE certification program. To begin the certification program, educators must meet certain minimum requirements. Once admitted, each candidate works with a certified mentor to demonstrate that he or she has the experience, knowledge, and skills required for certification. Candidates for certification must also understand and agree to uphold high ethical standards in the practice of EE. Contact Staci Strenkert at (801) 328-1549 or staci at usee.org

 

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