EE Certification Pilot Program Now Open

Students learning in the field.The New Mexico Environmental Education Certification Program is now open for pilot applications. You can find all the details and submit an application online under EE Certification. Since this is a pilot, a limited number of candidates will be admitted. The full program will launch in Spring 2016.

Pilot program applications are due by August 15, 2015. Applicants will be notified of acceptance or deferral by September 30. Portfolios for the pilot program candidates will be due by August 15, 2016.

EE Certification candidates will begin with a self-assessment and professional development plan to gain any needed skills, knowledge and experience. We recommend that candidates opt to work with an advisor. Over the next 12 months, they will assemble an electronic portfolio to demonstrate their competencies in six areas:

  • Environmental Literacy
  • Foundations of EE
  • Professional Responsibilities of the Environmental Educator
  • Planning and Implementing EE
  • Fostering Learning
  • Evaluation and Assessment

A team of peer reviewers will serve as the certifying agent. The five-year certification term will allow professionals to continuously improve as our field evolves.

EEANM is seeking accreditation by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), which will make our certification nationally recognized.

This article is part of EE Connections June 2015.