Environmental Education Plan (pdf)Process
Candidates have four years from the enrollment date in which to complete the EE Certfication program. Candidates may count previous workshops and experiences that have occurred during the past one year prior to enrollment. Go here for more information on how to enroll.
Portfolio
Enrollees in the proram will begin developing an online portfolio that will include documentation of participation for each of the following Criteria:
Criteria I: Instructional Workshops - Total of 70 hours.
Criteria II:
Experiences in the Out-of-Doors - Total of 50 hours.
Criteria III: Knowledge of Environmental Education Resources and Facilities - Total of 30 hours.
Criteria IV: Teaching Experiences. Total of 30 hours. Document hours directly to your online account.
Criteria V: Community Partnership. Total of 20 hours. Document hours directly to your online account.
*Note: Criteria I-III can be documented with a Form B which then can be emailed to eecertificationnc@lists.ncmail.net or mailed to the Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs, 1609 MSC, Raleigh, NC 27699-1609.
Continuing Education
Fifty hours of continuing education within five years of the date of certification and every five years thereafter is required. Anything that counts as Certification Program Criteria I, II or seminars, lectures and conferences related to environmental education can be documented toward the 50 hours.
Once certification is complete, the educator must continue being involved in environmental education workshops, courses and trainings to maintain an active status within the program. Within five years of the date of certification, an educator must have documented 50 hours of professional development. Anything that counts as Certification Program Criteria I or II, or instructor-led seminars, lectures or conference sessions related to EE can be documented towards the 50 hours using a Form B (with a maxium of 10 hours per experience). Activities that would be considered "site visits" under Criteria III cannot count as continuing education credit. Also, you cannot use workshops, classes, etc. that you took as part of your original certification, even if you are retaking the workshop, class, etc.* Once submitted and approved, the educator’s certification will be renewed and certification will remain active for the next five years beyond your most recent continuing education deadline. * If you earned your certification prior to December 31, 2008, you have until December 31, 2013 to complete your continuing education requirement. After that period you will be required to complete 50 hours every five years to remain "active" in the program.
(*Repeat workshops may be considered if the workshop has had a significant revision.)
Program Requirements before 2009
If you are currently enrolled in the "old" EE Certification program, you can stay enrolled under the previous requirements, or you have the option of enrolling again under the new criteria. Individuals who want to enroll under the new requirements will have to pay an additional enrollment fee of $25, but will have four years from the new enrollment date to complete the program.
