|
Utah EE Certification Program
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why certification?
The Utah EE Certification Program serves to recognize exemplary environmental educators based on knowledge; experience and dedication to the field of environmental education; set a standard of performance for environmental education providers; and ensure the credibility of environmental education within Utah.
Who is eligible for certification?
Anyone regardless of employment status, training or education may apply to the program—this includes formal and non-formal educators and interested individuals. The
Certification Self-Assessment and Scoring Rubric will help you determine if you are ready to enter the program.
What is USEE?
The Utah Society for Environmental Education (USEE) is a non-profit 501(c)3 umbrella organization providing support services to all environmental education providers in the state. USEE acts as a link between local environmental education providers and national environmental education organizations. USEE has received grants from the National
Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, US Forest Service, Utah Department of Environmental Quality, and others. USEE is also funded from cooperative agreements, membership dues, and donations. USEE has received state, regional and national awards for environmental education. USEE strives to foster environmental knowledge, skills, attitudes and actions through statewide leadership that serves to expand the quality, scope and effectiveness of environmental education.
Is certification required to work in the field?
No. Certainly, many talented people are not certified who work in the field of environmental education. Certification validates and recognizes that individuals have met minimum standards regarding comprehension and experience within the field of environmental education.
Will certification help me get a job or higher pay?
We cannot promise you that, but being recognized as a Utah Certified Environmental
Educator will show that you have met standards of comprehension in environmental education.
How do I become certified?
To become certified, you must submit an application, work with your mentor (mentors will be assigned by USEE) to develop a portfolio, and submit your final application for approval by the Certification Review Board.
Is membership required for certification?
No, however membership to an environmental education organization will assist you in demonstrating competency. Applicants will receive a free one-year membership to
USEE the first year they are certified.
Who certifies me?
Certification is granted by the Certification Review Board. The board is made up of five members of the USEE Program Advisory Council (USEE PAC), who are also certified environmental educators. The USEE PAC is consists of a variety of environmental education interest groups from throughout the state. Everyone is welcome to join the
USEE PAC. Please contact USEE for more information.
What does certification cost?
A $25 application fee is due when you submit your initial application to the program (this fee is waived for USEE members). Upon submission of your final application and portfolio, a fee of $125 is required.
What if I submit an application but do not meet the minimum qualifications to proceed?
If you submit an application that does not meet the minimum qualifications for
Certification, you will be notified as to areas for further development and put on
Provisional status. You then have one year to resubmit an application to the Utah Environmental Education Certification Program.
How long does certification last?
Certification is valid for five years. To recertify, a certified environmental educator must have at least 30 hours of continuing education and have a membership in at least one EE organization.
How long does the entire process take?
The process length varies depending on how long it takes for you to show competency in the areas described in the rubrics.
Are there books or training activities that will help me prepare for certification?
For information on activities that may help you prepare for certification, visit USEE’s On-Line EE Database. You will find additional certification resources below.
Is there a deadline?
The deadlines for initial applications are June 15th and December 15th every year. The deadlines for final applications and portfolios are March 1st and September 1st every year. Final applications and portfolios should be submitted 15 months after the initial application. For example, if you submit your initial application June 1st, your final application will be due September 1st the following year.
Where do I get an application?
To obtain an application, contact Staci Strenkert at (801) 328-1549 or
staci@usee.org.
|
