Course Description

Credit Validation for AEOE Participants Only

The Environmental Educator Certification Program (EECP) recognizes experienced environmental educators for their skills and contributions to the field and draws together stewards and educators of the environment into a structured and effective initiative. The EECP is an 11- month program in which environmental educators demonstrate their competency through group discussion, individual reflection, submission of assignments, and the completion and presentation of a community action project. Through participation in the certification program, educators expand their professional networks, make important connections across the state, and better understand the full spectrum of environmental education careers available. EECP is conducted online over Zoom and utilizes Canvas as its learning management platform.

Program Elements

  • Cohort Participation: Each participant joins monthly calls, comprising approximately 25-30 members. The cohort meetings include check-ins, presentation of relevant material, breakout conversations, and group assignments. Meetings occur over Zoom.
  • Engagement in Online Learning Community: Group discussions, chat, and digital submission of assignments.
  • Completion of Independent & Group Assignments: Examples of assignments include reflections on articles and videos; evidence of completion of learning modules (e.g. online learning modules developed by NAAEE); an exploration of your bioregion; personal reflection on your practices related to social and emotional learning (SEL) and equitable and inclusive teaching practices; lesson plan review and submission; final community action project presentation planning, presentation, and report.
  • Professional Development: For the 2023-2024 program year, AEOE is partnering with UCANR California Naturalist to offer an asynchronous, condensed version of their Climate Stewards Program to EECP participants. We are also partnering with Project WET to offer a professional development workshop for course participants.
  • Final Community Action Project: The program culminates with a community action project that provides a summary of the skills and knowledge gained and positively impacts the candidate’s community. These projects will be presented at or around the spring statewide conference or in an online alternate format.
  • Community Action Project Presentation: Attendance at the spring statewide conference attendance – at which community action projects are presented – is strongly encouraged; an online presentation alternative will be available. Conference scholarships are available for those who need tuition assistance.
  • Mentorship: Each participant will be matched with a mentor in the field of EE with whom they will meet on a monthly basis virtually in small groups to set professional learning goals and discuss the culminating final community action project.

For more information, please visit AEOE Environmental Educator Certification Program

Course Details

Number of Units: 1.0 - 9.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours. Please choose desired units upon checkout.

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for environmental educators in any setting (classroom teachers, early childhood educators, nature-based instructors, educators in informal and informal settings)

Directions to Enrolled Participants for University Credit: Submit your Certificate of Completion by email to [email protected] after enrolling for credit and completing the course.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDC-X732X – 001 01 Aug 202430 Jun 2025 1-9 $79-711

EECP 23-24

01 Aug 202430 Jun 2025
1-9
$79-711
Credit Validation
Online

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation after the allotted 30 days.

Enrollment Open Through: September 30, 2025 (11:59pm PT)

What You Will Learn

  • Demonstrate the skills and understandings outlined in Guidelines for Excellence in Environmental Education
  • Describe the goals, theory, practice, and history of the field of environmental education
  • Demonstrate the responsibilities associated with practicing environmental education
  • Combine the fundamentals of high-quality education with the unique features of environmental education to design and implement effective instruction
  • Enable learners to engage in open inquiry and investigation, especially when considering environmental issues that are controversial and require students to seriously reflect on their own and others’ perspectives
  • Demonstrate a willingness to engage in reflective practice and collaborative discussion to further individual and collective knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrate the knowledge, abilities, and commitment to make assessment and evaluation integral to instruction and programs

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Credit Validation

The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers graduate-level extension credit for work completed in trainings, workshops, conferences, induction, credentials, and other professional development programs not offered directly by USD. Complete one of the above and a member of our division will help you earn credit for your hard work and dedication to continuing your education.

Key Benefits of Credit Validation Courses

Make Your Work Count

Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.

Advance Faster

Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.

Work Towards a Degree

Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.