Professional Development
In the ever-changing world and field of environmental education, we understand how valuable continuing education is to our members. This is why PAEE is excited and proud to announce our newly formed Professional Development Committee. This committee is devoted to bringing PAEE members meaningful, engaging and relevant monthly professional development sessions at no cost to PAEE members. Topics will vary by month and will be aligned to the NAAEE Guidelines for Excellence for Professional Development of Environmental Educators.
The PAEE Professional Development Annual Themes are: Best Practices in Teaching, Assessment and Evaluation, Promoting Inclusivity, Research in an Evolving EE Field, and Best Business Practices. They are an adaptation of the NAAEE professional development framework themes for environmental educators and were chosen to collectively represent significant realms of environmental education.
We hope this Committee’s work helps you to expand your knowledge, make connections and reflect and assess your practices. Check this page for updates as information on speakers and registration becomes available.
Upcoming Opportunities
PA Environmental Justice and Education Summit
Monday, May 13 from 12-4 PM (in person and virtual options are available)
Speakers:
- PA DEP Office of Environmental Justice
- EarthForce Environmental Action Civics
- PA Environmental Literacy Network (updates regarding STEELS Standards/Green Schools/Careers)
- Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia (EEAG) (about their work with environmental justice and curriculum)
The Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators, an affiliate of the North American Association for Environmental Education, is pleased to offer a FREE half-day Environmental Justice and Education professional development summit on the afternoon of Monday, May 13 at PSU Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. The goals are to give state and regional leaders and experts in the field of ‘people and the environment’ an opportunity to connect with educational leaders in PA about these topics and effective education about them, as well as highlighting programs like Green Schools and similar initiatives, and offer a networking opportunity. The in-person availability of this event is limited and anyone is welcome to join virtually. ACT 48 is available!
12:15pm
- Jordi Comas – PA DEP Office of Environmental Justice – Northcentral Regional Director
- Amelia Benson – PA DEP Office of Environmental Justice – Southwest Regional Director
12:50pm
- Alex Mandell – Environmental Justice, Community Health, & Environmental Review Division – EPA Mid-Atlantic Region 2 – Environmental Justice Coordinator
- Steph Branche – EPA Mid-Atlantic Region 3 – Environmental Education Coordinator
1:25pm
- David Saunders – PA Department of Health – Office of Health Equity – Director
2:00pm
- Korri Ellis – Environmental Education Alliance – President
- Karan Wood – Environmental Education Alliance – Executive Director
2:35pm
- Michelle Niedermeier – PA Environmental Literacy Network – Steering Committee
3:15pm
- Sarah Jennings – Earth Force Environmental Action Civics – Program Manager
Watershed Planning: Outreach to Action
Tuesday, May 21 from 12 - 1 PM
Join Allegheny County Conservation District Watershed Program Manager, Amy Miller, to learn more about engaging decision makers around watersheds, watershed planning, and stormwater. Hear about ACCD’s successes in educating municipalities and watershed stakeholders on these topics when political boundaries do not align with water resource issues. Learn how ACCD’s Watershed Planning tool can help lead to cooperation and successful implementation of projects that reduce pollution and improve streams.
Free for PAEE Members, $5.00 for Non Members
Do you have an idea or an opportunity for our Professional Development Series? Contact us!
