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EE Infolink |
Connecting Colorado’s Environmental Education Network |
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Volume 13, Issue 1 |
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January, 2007 |
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CAEE
STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Diane Simmons, Colorado Academy
CAEE MEMBERSHIP Visit www.caee.org to join or renew online, or contact CAEE at 303-273-9527.
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Overview: You’re Invited! CAEE’s
Ninth Annual Environmental Education Awards Celebration
The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education cordially invites you to attend the Ninth Annual Environmental Education Awards CelebrationHonoring our Past, Nurturing our Future
Friday, March 2, 2007 Six o’clock in the evening Renaissance Denver hotel 3801 Quebec Street, Denver
The Awards for Excellence in Environmental Education are an annual tradition of recognizing individuals & organizations that have made significant & lasting contributions to environmental education in Colorado.
Please join us as we connect with old friends and new, congratulate our colleagues, and honor their work creating awareness and understanding of the environment! Congratulations to these award recipients:
Enos Mills Lifetime Achievement Award: Wendy hanophy, Colorado Division of Wildlife
President's Award: Denver Mayor John hickenlooper and the Greenprint Denver Team
Program Awards: Animas Valley Institute Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Aurora Water Children’s Museum of Denver and Butterfly Pavilion Cottonwood Institute FrontRange Earth Force iCAST (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology) Majestic View Nature Center Manitou Springs Middle School, Falcon School District, and Colorado Division of Wildlife Raytheon Polar Services Company
CAEE gratefully acknowledges CH2MHILL and the Colorado State Forest Service for their support of this event
To make a reservation, call 303-273-9527, email info@caee.org, or visit www.caee.org.
Ticket price: $35 per person, $315 per table of 10
Seating is limited – please make your reservation no later than February 14, 2007. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
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Executive Director's Corner: Guest Columnist Brenda Weiser, Ed.D., NAAEE Certification Advisory Council (CAC)
This Month's Topic: EE Certification - "Why do we need it? What’s in it for me?"
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Environmental educators come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Few environmental educators have training in both the content areas such as science, geography, or social studies and in the pedagogical areas such as teaching styles, learning styles, or assessment. Many states have examined their environmental education programs and have realized their state EE efforts need to be strengthened from within. One approach is through certification.
Certification is not a new term. It has been around for a long time. If you are certified, you most likely hold a document certifying that you have met specified requirements, such as for teaching or accounting. However, there are many environmental educators that see the certification effort as a threat. Some frequently asked questions regarding the certification process, include: Why would anyone want to become certified? How can certification benefit me? What barriers to my career does certification pose? How long will it take? And, why would any state want to tackle this task?
There are many reasons why a state might offer an environmental education certification and why you would want to obtain it. Environmental education is not a professional field in which everyone receives the same or even similar training. Some environmental educators have a degree in education, some in natural science or resource management, some in social studies, and some do not have a degree. Some environmental educators work in the non-formal sector (museums, zoo, botanical gardens, etc.) while others find themselves working in the formal education setting. Yet all are environmental educators. When someone indicates that they are an environmental educator, individuals within our own field often wonder what is the background or training that this person brings to the table. Do they have a strong background in environmental issues, natural resource content, and/or educational issues? Can they define environmental literacy? Do they know why Tbilisi is important to the field of EE or the history of environmental education? Can they write a lesson plan, talk to educators about educational issues, or explain how EE can be used to enhance their state standards? By implementing a state EE certification program, these questions can be addressed, creating a baseline of knowledge and skills for people who complete the program. Therefore, if you have an EE Certification, then others know what you know and are able to do.
There are many other reasons why you might want to obtain your EE certification. First, professional recognition and growth – as you go through your state’s EE certification program, you should learn something new and challenge yourself. Once you complete the process, then others will recognize you as a leader in the field and respect you for your initiative and accomplishments. Next, upon completion of the EE certification program, you can be distinguished from other similar professions (classroom teachers, nature interpreters, etc.). You can say with pride that you are a professional environmental educator. Also, as you work toward your certification, you can build professional contacts, which can lead to new and exciting opportunities. You never know who might be looking for a new employee or might know someone that is looking for one. Finally, you may have the opportunity to work with other leaders in not only your state but also on a national level – once again, providing you with new opportunities.
There are several ways a state can approach certification: · One way can be classified as experiential. Through this process, one would participate in workshops, attend presentations, or visit leading environmental centers or parks. During this time, the individual would record what they did and the number of hours attended. · A potential certified individual may also attend multi, day-long classes. · A different approach would be based on specific criteria. With this approach, a state would establish specific criteria that would be achieved through written assignments, tests, video recordings, or the submission of documents such as lesson plans. · In addition, a certified EE candidate may need to work with a mentor.
A variety of approaches may be taken by a state to implement an EE certification program. In fact, a state might use a combination of the different approaches – attending workshops yet meeting established criteria while working with a mentor. Thus, obtaining a certification can vary from one approach to another depending on the state and what approach best fits that state.
How long will it take? This will depend on your state’s program and you. Most state programs are a series of steps that applicants pursue at their own pace over a period of time.
There are many other issues associated with the EE certification process. However, one must remember that the intent of an EE Certification is not to criticize those in the field, but to encourage individual professional growth. Many environmental educators have indicated a desire that the environmental education profession be respected as a profession. The implementation of a state environmental education certification program is one step toward obtaining that respect and moving environmental education to a higher professional level in the eyes of others. Remember, accountants, teachers, electricians, forklift operators, and financial planners all have a certification process. Why shouldn’t environmental education have one too?
Find out what the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education is doing to build a certification program: http://www.caee.org/quality/certification
Master Plan Connection: Be a part of the Colorado EE Master Plan! This initiative is supported by the Colorado Environmental Education Master Plan, Goal II Professional Development. Check it out at http://www.caee.org/CEEMP |
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For more information on any of these events, visit
http://www.caee.org, call 303-273-9527, or
email info@caee.org. Please RSVP in advance. Friday, March 2, 6:00 pm. Environmental Education Awards Celebration. Location: Renaissance Denver Hotel. (See above for more info) April 27-29. Teaching OUTSIDE the Box Conference. Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA of the Rockies, Winter Park. |
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Upcoming Events
Visit www.caee.org/calendar.html for an online listing of upcoming events!
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The Colorado Mountain Club presents “The Greatest Good.” Feb. 8, 7 pm. American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th Street, Golden. This film portrays the history of the U.S. Forest Service. Admission is free to this 80-minute-long edited version of the film. Dave Steinke, director and producer, will answer questions after the film. Visit www.cmc.org for more information or visit http://www.fs.fed.us/greatestgood/ for specifics on the film.
Presentation by Dr. Vince Matthews Colorado State Geologist. Feb. 8, 7 pm. Western Museum of Mining & Industry, Colorado Springs. Come to the Western Museum of Mining & Industry to hear Colorado’s State Geologist, Dr. Vince Matthews, present “Messages in Stone: Colorado’s Colorful Geology,” based on the Colorado Geological Survey’s award winning book by the same name. In conjunction with WMMI’s ongoing exhibit, Colorado Rockhounding, Dr. Matthews will discuss Colorado’s unique oddities and beauties through stunning photography and incisive graphics that highlight the state’s geologic life. In addition, Dr. Matthews’ book, Messages in Stone: Colorado’s Colorful Geology will be available for purchase and signing. Please RSVP at (719)488-0880. This event is free.
Cottonwood Institute Events: - Change The World Movie Night: Featuring “An Inconvenient Truth,” Feb. 7, at the Watershed School: 205 Canyon Blvd, in Boulder, 6:30-9:00pm. - REI Winter Survival Clinic – Feb. 22, REI Denver Flagship Store: 1416 Platte Street, Denver, 7:00-8:30pm. - Summer Courses for adventurous high school students and adults. All courses offer an exciting blend of adventure, wilderness survival, and environmental service and are available for high school or college credit. Scholarships and course discounts are available. Limited to 12 participants per course. For more information, call Ford Church at (303)447-1076 or visit http://www.cottonwoodinstitute.org.
City of Fort Collins 2007 Residential Environmental Program Series: A Series of Free Public Programs. Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Dr. All programs are from 7–9 p.m. on Wednesdays (no registration necessary). Sponsored by: Fort Collins Utilities, Natural Resources, Transportation Planning and Forestry. For more information, call (970)221-6700 (TDD: (970)224-6003) or visit www.fcgov.com/utilities/eps.php.
National EE Week - April 15-22. National Environmental Education Week is designed increase the educational impact of Earth Day by creating a full week of educational preparation, learning, and activities in K-12 classrooms, nature centers, zoos, museums, and aquariums. New features added for 2007 include The Richard C. Bartlett Award for Environmental Education and an online Nature Bee. Visit http://www.eeweek.org for details and sign up! Contact: Karen Schultz at eeweek@neetf.org |
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Note: these announcements are only position highlights and are not intended to be all-inclusive. NAAEE/EE-Link offers a jobs database service for EE job seekers or employers seeking EE staff.
To view job postings, visit: eelink.net/eejobsdatabase.html
To submit a job to the database: eelink.net/cgi-bin/ee-link/add_job.cgi
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Lookout Mountain Nature Center, two Seasonal Naturalists Contact Apply2HR@jeffco.us for additional information. Salary Range: $10.00 - $12.00 per hour. Applications accepted until positions are filled. *Two positions available, one 26 week position and one 30 week position. Wed.-Sun., 40 hpw with some evenings and 8+ hour days. Greet visitors, provide information, interpretive and educational tours, programs, and other services for visitors to Lookout Mountain Nature Center and other Jefferson County Open Space Parks. A complete Jefferson County application will be required at time of interview. Link to application: http://jeffco.us/jeffco/hr_uploads/jeffcoemploymentapp.pdf. Telephone (303) 271-8400, Apply2HR@jeffco.us. Contact: Peg Alig, mwiencek@jeffco.us, 720-497-7604.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Education Program Coordinator – Adults and Teens This position will be responsible for developing, promoting, implementing and managing the Zoo’s programs focusing on our adult and teen audiences, including managing volunteer programs. It is an hourly position starting in the mid-20’s, depending on experience. To apply, submit a current resume and cover letter to Nicole Mantz, Education Curator by 5 p.m. Feb. 8.
Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, Projects Director Application Deadline: Feb. 5. The Projects Director oversees the effective planning and execution of an annual schedule of over twenty volunteer stewardship projects, in a way that provides a safe, rewarding, and enlivening volunteer experience, while accomplishing tangible high quality ecological goals on the ground. The PD also supports the volunteer leadership development program, develops restoration expertise within the WRV community, and assists with fundraising and administrative tasks. Job announcement and application form available at www.wlrv.org. To apply, email cover letter, resume, and completed application form to edself@wlrv.org (preferred delivery method), or mail them to: WRV PD Search, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, 2515 E. Sterling Circle, Suite 201, Boulder, CO 80301.
Colorado Alliance
for Environmental Education, Administrative Assistant
Denver Botanic Gardens, Public Programs Manager Create and implement high quality public programs for adult audiences including formal and informal programs, distance learning, events and other educational experiences which emphasize the plant-people connection that focus on home gardening, conservation, biodiversity and environmental sciences. Working Conditions: General office, some work may occur at Mt. Goliath, Chatfield and Centennial sites. Send resume and/or application to Human Resources, Denver Botanic Gardens, 909 York St, Denver, CO 80206, or E-mail your resume to hr@botanicgardens.org. Denver Botanic Gardens is a non-profit, EOE.
Colorado Watershed Network, Water Education Coordinator Full-Time. Starting Salary Range: $35-40,000 plus a competitive benefits package. Location: CWN’s Denver Headquarters. The Colorado Watershed Network (CWN) believes that Colorado should be a leader in K-12 water education due to the critical role water plays in our arid headwaters state. CWN is an experienced nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health of Colorado’s watersheds through nonbiased and community based science and support. CWN is seeking a coordinator who will work with and build on CWN’s extensive River Watch teacher network, existing relationships with watershed organizations, and the teachers and facilitators already involved with Projects WET, WILD, and Learning Tree (PLT). The coordinator will develop a statewide water education program by seeking more partners, teachers, and funding sources. Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) will be used as a “keystone” water education curriculum. Please send a cover letter and resume to cwn@coloradowatershed.org. Applications will not be accepted after February 19. Start date is expected to be March 1. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with CWN at www.coloradowatershed.org. |
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Grants, Awards, and Competitions
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Colorado Association for Recycling's 1st Annual America Recycles Poster Contest. This contest will promote the social, environmental, and economic benefits of recycling and buying recycled. It's a great way to help students appreciate the importance of recycling and the beneficial impacts that it has on the environment. It can also be used to highlight recycling during Earth Day, celebrated April 22. Contact: Amy Randell, CAFR Administrative Assistant, at amy@cafr.org or 970-530-0677.
Great Outdoors Colorado Grants. Applications for Local Government/Parks and
Recreation, Open Space and Planning grants are available to assist local
governments, land trusts, state agencies, and parks and recreation special
districts in acquiring, expanding, an/or enhancing parks, open space, outdoor
recreation and environmental education facilities. The applications
available include: Open Space Grants (Due February 21, 2007), Local Parks and Outdoor Recreation and Mini
Grants (Due February 28, 2007), and Planning Grants (Due February 19, 2007). For
an application or additional information, email info@goco.org or visit www.goco.org.
U.S. EPA Environmental Education Grants. The U.S. EPA Region 8 (R8) Environmental Education (EE) Program Office expects that the RFP (Request for Proposal) for the 2007 grant year will be available February 2007. For information about EE grants, visit http://www.epa.gov/region8/env_ed/grants.html. |
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Workshops, Conferences, Classes, and Trainings
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Colorado Historic Preservation Conference - Saving Places 2007: Planning, Growth and Preservation. Feb. 7-9. 1770 Sherman Street Event Complex, Denver. Registration: $165. Several workshops will cover obtaining LEED certification, energy savings, green design and other topics related to sustainability. To learn more about the program or to register, visit www.coloradopreservation.org or call 303-893-4260.
Free Marketing Workshop for Nonprofit Managers and Educators, “Participation and Success: Growing Education Program Audiences.” Feb. 15, 9 am-12 noon. San Juan Public Lands Center, Durango. Hosted by The San Juan Mountains Association and San Juan Public Lands. This marketing workshop is for nonprofit program managers, natural resource professionals, and non-formal educators. Find out how to connect with existing audiences, find a new, bigger, or different audience, identify and speak to common bonds, conserve energy (YOURS) while reaching more people, capitalize on current trends, measure success – know what’s working and when to change. There is no fee, but pre-registration is requested. Space is limited. Facilitator: marketing consultant Dave Welz. For more info or to register, call 970-385-1256 or email education@sjma.org.
Certified Interpretive Guide Training. Feb. 20-23, 8 am-4:30 pm. For info, visit http://www.interpnet.com/certification/workshops/CIG_PCC_AuroraCO_Feb07.shtml. Contact: Fran Blanchard at 303-690-3621 or email fblanchard@plainscenter.org. Location: Plains Conservation Center, Aurora Site, 21901 E. Hampden Ave, Aurora, 80013, www.plainsconservationcenter.org.
7th Annual Bioregional Outdoor Education Conference: Inspiring Our Sense of Wonder. March 2-4. College of Eastern Utah, Blanding, Utah. This conference presents a variety of workshops (over 30 to choose from) that give teachers numerous ideas for lessons they can incorporate into their classroom. The conference begins Friday evening with a Share Fair and a presentation by Sara Ransom of Durango on The Life of Rachel Carson. Saturday includes morning and afternoon concurrent sessions and an evening presentation in Farmington Museum’s new Stardome. Sunday will include morning and early afternoon concurrent sessions. Cost: $50 for weekend including breakfast and lunch, no lodging. Credit: Available at conference through CSM. Contact: Jon Orris, (435) 587-2156 or jorris@boep.org, or www.boep.org.
Certified Interpretive Guide Training. March 12-15, 8 am-4 pm. South Platte Park, Littleton. Instructors: Skot Latona and Phil Waltz. To Register: Visit www.sspr.org/nature and search for class #674531. For questions or further info, contact Skot Latona, skotl@sspr.org or Phil Waltz philipw@sspr.org, or call 303-730-1022.
Certified Interpretive Guide Training. March 27-30. Bear Creek Nature Center, Colorado Springs. Find out more and register at the NAI website, www.interpnet.com, Certification and Training, Calendar of Training Workshops. Deadline for registration: Feb. 24. Please contact Paula Megorden, paulamegorden@elpasoco.com or call 719-520-6388 for info.
People and Land in a New Century: A Blueprint for Conservation that Works. April 3-5. CSU, Fort Collins. For more information, visit http://www.warnercnr.colostate.edu/plnc/index.html
Become a Native Plant Master! The Native Plant Master program, sponsored by CSU Cooperative Extension, is composed of field-based courses that focus on plant identification with an emphasis on scientific names and families, use of a botanical key, ecology, landscaping, ethnobotany and other human uses. Cost: $90/ course (each course is made up of three, 4-hour sessions). Courses are offered for $50 to participants who agree to teach at least 10 people per year in public programs about Colorado plants. Registration is limited. Applications due Mar. 15. For more info, visit http://jeffcoextension.org or call 303-271-6646. |
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NAAEE Annual Conference - Call for Presentations Deadline Extended to February 9th! Conference dates: Nov. 14-17, 2007, Virginia Beach, Virginia (Workshops on Nov. 14). EE Research Symposium “Celebrating the Diversity of Our Research Methodologies: Finding Common Ground” – Nov. 13 (evening reception) & 14 (all day symposium), 2007. Apply online at http://www.naaee.org/conference/call-for-presentations (only online submissions are accepted). Prairie Dog Day. The students of the Jefferson County Open School have been working on prairie issues for the last 7 years, to raise awareness of the ecological and historical importance of the prairie ecosystem. Jefferson County Open School has been asked to be a member of a planning group which includes Forest Guardians, Defenders of Wildlife and The Prairie Coalition to help plan Prairie Dog Day. JCOS is interested in teaching younger students in Jefferson County about the prairie. Contact Judith Miller Smith at (303)982-7045 or jmiller@jeffco.k12.co.us if you would like to schedule a presentation for grades 2-4. Visit www.prairiedogday.org/ for more info.
Join NAAEE in Costa Rica. July 7-16. Join EE colleagues for an exciting educational tour of the tropical rainforest of Central America in a trip organized especially for NAAEE. With program participation limited to 16 members, we will enjoy a lively experience and idea exchange amidst a variety of dynamic and diverse ecosystems. View the itinerary: http://www.naaee.org/programs-and-initiatives/professional-development-series/costa_rica_july2007.pdf . Contact: Julie Polzer conferencestaff@naaee.org. Register Online: http://www.holbrooktravel.com/pages/EducationExpeditions/details.aspx?Id=466
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Posting of resources or events does not constitute endorsement of those materials or activities by the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education or sponsors of CAEE.
This list will be used for the sole purpose of distributing the electronic version of CAEE's monthly newsletter EE InfoLink. If you would like to subscribe
under a different email address, please send an email to: ee-infolink-subscribe@caee.org EE-InfoLink-unsubscribe@caee.org If you have problems with the mailing list, please send them to: EE-InfoLink-owner@caee.org Previous issues of EE-InfoLink can be accessed at: http://www.caee.org/info/additional-ee-resources/ This is an announcement-only email list. If you would like to be included in an interactive listserv of environmental educators, send a blank email to: environmental-ed-subscribe@caee.org If you have an announcement for EE
InfoLink, please send it to info@caee.org
by the 10th of each month.
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