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

Dare 2B Tick Aware - Preventing Tick Bites & Tick-borne Diseases

Monday, July 27 at 6:00 PM

This program strives to improve the use of prevention strategies, reduce tick bites, and improve early diagnosis – using the most current research available. The program standardizes prevention messages across the state through seminars, printed materials, webinars and social media.
Seminar Covers:

PA Lyme Statistics
Tick Background & Diseases They Carry
Habitat and Behavior
Life Cycle & Transmission
Prevention: Personal, Yard, Pets
Acting if bitten by a tick
Recognizing early symptoms

**Reminder – While the Dare 2B Tick Aware presentation includes a few slides regarding Lyme disease and other tick-borne infection symptoms, this is not a Lyme disease seminar and facilitators do not discuss diagnosis, testing or treatment.

Free for PAEE Members
$5 for NonMembers

NW ELIT & PAEE Snorkeling Event (In Person!)

Friday, July 31, 2026, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

The NW PA ELIT Coalition and NW PA PAEE Region invite you to join us for a snorkeling adventure in French Creek!

Come explore one of Pennsylvania’s most biologically diverse waterways from a new perspective. Whether you’re interested in fully snorkeling or simply wading and observing aquatic life from above, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow environmental educators while learning more about the incredible biodiversity of French Creek.

Date: Friday, July 31
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Karl Gerdon Park, 21667 South Street, Venango, PA 16440
RSVP: Simply RSVP by signing up for the potluck using the link provided here

Agenda:
10:00 – 11:00 AM: Program updates & member share-outs
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Snorkeling
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Potluck Lunch

What to Bring:
If planning to fully submerge:

Mask and snorkel
Quick-drying clothes or swimwear/rash guard/wetsuit (leggings and long sleeve work great if you get cold quickly)
Sturdy footwear (old sneakers, water shoes —rocks can be slippery)
Sun protection (sunscreen, etc.)

If planning to wade:

Waders or quick-dry clothing (depending on comfort with getting wet)
Sturdy footwear (old sneakers, water shoes, or boots with good traction—rocks can be slippery)
Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, etc.)

Recommended/optional:

Dry bag/Ziplock for personal items/electronics
Towel
Change of Clothes/Extra Layers
Lightweight gloves (helpful for moving if area is rocky, grip, and keeping hands warm(ish) — simple garden /work gloves work just fine.

We hope you’ll join us for a fun day of networking, learning, and exploring French Creek together! Of course, please don’t hesitate to contact Lyndsay if you have any questions.

Project Underground for Pennsylvania Educators (virtual)

Monday, August 10, 2026, 12:00 - 1:00 PM

This series of cave and karst lessons teaches the importance of protecting and preserving these special environments. Since 1996, PUG has been a part of introducing geology, biology, and history of caves and the importance of their protection. Since every continent on Earth has caves, it is important to share this knowledge for proper stewardship of these areas. Caves are an important resource for all residents of the world. Not only do they contain beautiful underground features and unique wildlife habitats, this resource may also hold the key to the health of an entire town or city by its links to drinking water.

PUG was created by environmental educators and cavers coming together to research ideas and develop the activities. The activities have been designed and field tested by indoor and outdoor educators and reviewed to best meet the expressed needs of educators. It is with sincere hope that educators will gain an appreciation for these resources as they teach others on their importance.

Speaker info & image – Ray Knott, Executive Director of Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. & Ann Dunlavy, President of Lincoln Caverns, Inc.

Free for PAEE Members. $5 for NonMembers

Promoting Discussion: Discussion in Action (The Lawrence Hall of Science)

Thursday, November 5, 2026, 1:00 - 3:00 PM EST

Not a member of their professional learning platform? Registration for this workshop is on them! Use the code DISCO at checkout to register for free!

Discussion is a tremendously powerful tool for students to engage in learning. From formulating one’s own ideas into words to listening to others’ ideas, discussion supports learners to grow and strengthen their conceptual knowledge, to connect back to their own and their peers’ lived experience, to share cultural knowledge and expertise, and ultimately, to make better sense of the world. It is often in discussion where student ideas and experiences can be centered, not just the teacher’s. Discussion also supports educators to better understand what learners are thinking and to make instructional decisions based on student experiences.

In this session, participants are invited to:

Reflect on past experiences leading or participating in discussion, and what made them feel successful or not successful.
Grow their understanding of the role discussion plays in the learning process, specifically in scientific meaning-making.
Experience a wide variety of discussion routines and strategies, and discuss their potential impact on student learning.

This session is adapted from the BEETLES session, Promoting Discussion. Participation in this session is encouraged (though not required) as a prerequisite for the future session, Promoting Discussion: Applying Strategies and Tools.