Explanation: Individuals who elect to take environmental education courses demonstrate a desire to develop a sense of stewardship towards North Carolina natural resources and to instill that sense of stewardship in their students. The Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, in cooperation with DPI and other organizations, is designing a program to recognize those educators.

Actions:

Publicly recognize educators who complete 150 contact hours in environmental education with an award certificate.

Include approved environmental education experiences and internships offered by DEHNR, community colleges, universities, nature centers and other organizations. Stress content blended with methodology, and include instruction in facilitating field trips, techniques for integrating environmental education into all curriculum areas.

Include credit for participation in environmental education projects such as Stream Watch and Big Sweep and for teaching environmental education courses.

Promote the expansion of environmental education opportunities which emphasize residential and technological experiences.

Develop financial and administrative support for the professional development of educators, and for the incorporation of environmental education into the curriculum and daily experiences of students.

Recognize schools and school systems that serve as models for promoting environmental education and that have significant teacher participation in environmental education professional development programs.

Improve marketing and communications to inform educators of professional development opportunities in environmental education. Include distance learning, videos and other creative methods to reach and assist those in remote and under-served areas.