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Why Become a Certified Environmental Educator?

by
Bill Whorton

What does it mean to be an environmental educator?

“We are not camp counselors,” says Keith Williams, Director of Education for NorthBay Environmental Education Center. Yet, that is the perception of many. The Maryland Association for Outdoor and Environmental Education (MAEOE) offers an environmental educator certification program which is designed to be accredited by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) that defines the profession and the professional around six themes:

  • Environmental Literacy
  • Foundations of Environmental Education
  • Professional Responsibilities
  • Planning and Implementing Environmental Education
  • Fostering Learning
  • Assessment and Evaluation

Certification requires educators to demonstrate what they know and can do within each of these six themes. The application includes a portfolio with examples of lesson plans or video tapes of teaching techniques to demonstrate their proficiency in these six themes, as well as passing an exam.

Becoming a certified professional environmental educator has many benefits including:

  • Professional recognition
  • Personal growth
  • Building professional contacts

Applicants should have at least two years of field experience before applying and scholarships are available for those with demonstrated need. Find out more about MAEOE’s Professional Environmental Education Certification Program HERE.