Programs & Events calendar

Switch to Calendar View

• Environmental Educator Certification Program 2026-2027 Application

  • Start
    May 01, 2026
  • End
    July 10, 2026
  • Location
    N/A

  Register

  The Environmental Educator Certification Program (EECP) runs August 2026 through June 2027. Program graduates will achieve certification and have the option of purchasing nine Graduate Units through University of San Diego (paid separately). The Program is designed for educators with a minimum of two years of teaching experience. Learn more about the program here. Please read through the website thoroughly before applying; we also strongly suggest that you attend an informational session. Paying this nonrefundable application fee does not guarantee you a spot in the program; in addition to paying the fee you must demonstrate readiness by completing this application form. 

  Application deadline extended to July 10!

  Show details
• EECP 2026-2027 Enrollment

  • Start
    July 01, 2026
  • End
    July 31, 2026
  • Location
    N/A

  Register

  2026-2027 Environmental Educator Certification Program (EECP)
  

  The Environmental Educator Certification Program (EECP) draws together stewards and educators of the environment into a structured and effective initiative. Certification is a public declaration that a certain individual meets a stringent level of requirements and has a specific set of skills. This program benefits practitioners and organizations alike, extending to individuals, the public, and the profession itself. The EECP enhances the legitimacy of the field by building a uniform foundation in effectively teaching about the environment in California. Enrollment is open July 1st - July 31st and is only available to individuals that have already been accepted. 

  Through participating in the certification program, you will increase your knowledge and skills, expand your professional network, enhance your resume, and make important connections across the state.  

  Cohort meetings will be offered on the following days/times:

  TUESDAY COHORT: 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7-8:30 PM

  WEDNESDAY COHORT: 3rd Wednesday of the month from 4:30-6 PM

  
  

  Do not enroll in this program if you cannot regularly attend one of the cohort meetings each month (and note that it is fine to alternate based on your schedule). 

  Small group meetings with a program mentor will be offered at a variety of times/days and will be scheduled after the program begins.

  Participants may only enroll in EECP if they have been accepted into the program and have paid the $25 application fee. If this applies to you, check your inbox/spam folder, as you will need the code in order to enroll. If you have been awarded a program scholarship, you will have been given a special code to use when enrolling. 

  Please see the operations manual for information about program refunds should you decide to discontinue the program. 

  Show details
• eeCourse: Teaching & Learning Outdoors

  • Start
    July 10, 2026
  • End
    August 26, 2026
  • Location
    Online - Moodle
  • Spaces left
    19

  Register

  eeCourse: Teaching & Learning Outdoors

  Description: This eeCourse is designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, tools, and resources to take environmental education learning outdoors. This eeCourse provides an introduction to environmental education; strategies to support outdoor learning like managing students, adapting for weather, and using technology outdoors; and ideas on how to integrate teaching and learning outdoors into your classrooms, homeschool classrooms, and programs.

  Timing: This roughly 6-week course takes approximately 15 hours to complete. The course runs from July 10 through August 26, 2026. If the timing doesn't work for your schedule, we plan to offer this again in the future. 

  Format: This is an asynchronous online course.

  • All activities must be completed independently on your own time/schedule within the 6-week timeframe. 

  • We will provide a suggested timeline and periodic reminders to encourage the timely completion of assignments. While we want to be flexible, we also want these learning experiences to be meaningful and we think timely and periodic work in the course will benefit participants more than trying to complete coursework at the last minute.

  • Coursework includes watching videos, reading articles, posting on public forums and Padlet boards, and writing/recording personal reflections.

  • The course is managed through Moodle - participants will be sent an invitation to access the course on the start date. 

  • Participants will receive a certificate of completion after completing the course. 

  The course is moderated by Jasjeet Dhanota, AEOE's Communications and Relationships Manager and a former science educator.

  One graduate unit is available upon completion of the course (the unit costs $79 and is purchased separately from University of San Diego). Note that you must also submit a certificate of competition in order to receive your transcript.

  Show details
• Webinar: Activities & Resources for Nature-based Learning

  • When
    July 14, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Webinar:Activities & Resources for Nature-based Learning

  Tuesday, JULY 14 | 4-5pm Pacific

  Join this virtual inspiring and practical workshop to learn activities and resources for excellent nature-based learning!

  Spending time in nature year round helps develop a sense of belonging. When we belong we feel connected, nourished, and alive. In this workshop our expert presenters will share ideas, activities and inspiration from their water, nature, Land, and camp curriculums.

  Click here to register

  Offered by The Outdoor Learning School & Store and Outdoor Learning Partners:
  

  

  All registrants will be able to access the recording in case you can’t join the session live. And all attendees will be able to access a Certificate of Attendance and will be entered to win some great prizes!

  Show details
• Webinar: Teaching About Bird Life

  • When
    August 11, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Webinar: Teaching About Bird Life

  Tuesday, AUGUST 11 | 4-5pm Pacific

  Birds can be found in all learning environments, rural or urban. Join our panel of knowledgeable presenters who will share resources, both analogue and digital, for learning about birds in formal or informal education spaces. This workshop will also highlight the work of Joseph Pitawanakwat, Andrés Jiménez, and Junaid Khan to support the regathering and the education of Anishinaabe bird names and significant Indigenous bird knowledge. Included in this are their Anishinaabe Bird Names Nature Guide and Anishinaabe Winter Bird Names Nature Guide. While these resources are specific to Indigenous groups primarily located around the Great Lakes in Canada and the United States, there are valuable insights to be gleaned wherever you are joining from. 

  Click here to register

  Offered by The Outdoor Learning School & Store and Outdoor Learning Partners:
  

  

  All registrants will be able to access the recording in case you can’t join the session live. And all attendees will be able to access a Certificate of Attendance and will be entered to win some great prizes!

  Show details
• eeCourse: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Environmental Education

  • Start
    September 02, 2026
  • End
    October 20, 2026
  • Location
    Online - Moodle
  • Spaces left
    27

  Register

  eeCourse: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Environmental Education

  Description: This course is designed to provide a strong foundation in Traditional Ecological Knowledge and ways of knowing. It is meant to be an introductory course and spark interest in further learning around how we can more intentionally and respectfully incorporate traditional Indigenous ways of knowing into our environmental and outdoor learning programming.

  Through four modules, which incorporate a variety of readings, videos, and other interactive activities, you will: 

  • Identify some of the opportunities and challenges in using TEK to address environmental challenges
  • Develop your personal guidelines for integrating principles of TEK in your teaching which honor, acknowledge, and care take TEK and Indigenous people
  • Compare and contrast Traditional Ecological Knowledge & ways of knowing with Western science & ways of knowing 
  • Support your students in developing relationships with the world around them
  • Teach a lesson or a unit which integrates TEK knowledge and/or practices with your participants

  Timing: This roughly 6-week course takes approximately 15 hours to complete. The course runs from September 2 - October 20, 2026. This course is offered on a quarterly basis. 

  Format: This is an asynchronous online course, with an optional live session over Zoom (date TBD). 

  • All activities must be completed independently on your own time/schedule within the 6-week timeframe. 

  • We will provide a suggested timeline and periodic reminders to encourage the timely completion of assignments. While we want to be flexible, we also want these learning experiences to be meaningful and we think timely and periodic work in the course will benefit participants more than trying to complete coursework at the last minute.

  • Coursework includes watching videos, reading articles, posting on public forums and Padlet boards, and writing/recording personal reflections.

  • The course is managed through Moodle - participants will be sent an invitation to access the course on the start date. 

  The course is moderated by Jasjeet Dhanota, AEOE's Communications and Relationships Manager.

  One graduate unit is available upon completion of the course (the unit costs $79 and is purchased separately from University of San Diego). Note that you must also submit a certificate of competition in order to receive your transcript.

  Note that registration is open through September 30, however we encourage you to register earlier so you have the full 6 weeks to complete the course. 

  Show details
• eeCourse: Accessible by Nature: Designing EE to Support All Learners

  • Start
    November 02, 2026
  • End
    December 15, 2026
  • Location
    Online - Moodle

  Register

  Accessible by Nature: Designing EE to Support All Learners 

  Description: This eeCourse uses the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible and challenging for all, rather than making modifications for individual students. UDL improves and optimizes teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn, giving all students equal opportunity to succeed. This eeCourse is designed to encourage you to reflect deeply on your practice to focus on how you plan and teach to support all learners. The course content and associated assignments are geared towards practicing environmental and outdoor educators. We hope this eeCourse will inspire you to strengthen your pedagogical practices so they are more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible.

  Timing: This roughly 6-week course takes an approximately 12 hours to complete. The course runs from November 2 through December 15, 2026. Registration is open through November 30 but we recommend registering sooner so you have ample time to complete the course content. This eeCourse is offered several times a year. 

  Format: This is an asynchronous online course. 

  • All activities must be completed independently on your own time/schedule within the 6-week timeframe. 

  • We will provide a suggested timeline and periodic reminders to encourage the timely completion of assignments. While we want to be flexible, we also want these learning experiences to be meaningful and we think timely and periodic work in the course will benefit participants more than trying to complete coursework at the last minute.

  • Coursework includes watching videos, reading articles, posting on public forums and Padlet boards, and writing/recording personal reflections.

  • The eeCourse is managed through Moodle - participants will be sent an invitation to access the course on the start date. 

  The course will be moderated by Amy Williams, Ed.D.

  One graduate unit is available upon completion of the course (the unit costs $79 and is purchased separately from University of San Diego). Note that you must also submit a certificate of competition in order to receive your transcript.

  eeCourse content was designed by Michelle Silvers of Silver’s Lining PLLC, Estrella Risinger with AEOE, Michelle Pearce and Lauren Pyle with the Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC), with contributions from Rebekah Jones and the Cooper Center for Environmental Learning.

  AEOE's eeCourses are offered in partnership with NAAEE and the Affiliate Network.

  
  

  Show details
• Virtual Environmental Education Career Fair

  • When
    December 07, 2026
  •  
    4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Online | Zoom

  Register

  Calling all job seekers and employers! Join us for a virtual environmental education career fair. Site leaders will be grouped into breakout rooms, where they will make a pitch for their organization/worksite, share any current or upcoming employment opportunities, and end with Q&A. Job seekers will choose several rooms to attend. Interviews will not be conducted during the event, but if you make a connection you can exchange contact information and plan to follow up. Find your next dream job in environmental and outdoor education! 

  The primary focus is on employers based in California, but all are welcome to attend. 

  Deadline to register as an employer is December 2. Job seekers can register up until the event start. 

  Participating employers TBD

  Note: you don't have to be actively seeking new employment to attend - it can be beneficial to learn about different programs and opportunities even if you're happily employed where you are or haven't entered the field yet!

  Show details
• eeCourse: Climate Literacy

  • Start
    December 10, 2026
  • End
    February 05, 2027
  • Location
    Online - Moodle
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  eeCourse: Climate Literacy

  Description: This rigorous online course is designed for communicators, educators, and community leaders who want to deepen their understanding of the science behind climate change and evidence-based, equitable solutions needed to address it. Participants will explore how climate systems function, how human actions influence climate, and how climate influences people and other parts of the Earth system. The course combines scientific readings, engaging videos, interactive simulations, systems thinking activities, and data visualizations to support a rich learning experience. While it does not focus on teaching strategies, it provides a strong scientific foundation to support confident, informed engagement with climate education materials. In addition to global climate science, the course incorporates California-based resources and data to ground concepts in real-world examples; while these materials are locally focused, they serve as valuable case studies that offer insights and applications relevant to participants from any region.

  Timing: This roughly 8-week course takes approximately 15 hours to complete. The course runs from December 10, 2026 through February 10, 2027. If the timing doesn't work for your schedule, we plan to offer this again in the future. 

  Format: This is an asynchronous online course, with an optional live session over Zoom to discuss content application to your teaching with other course participants.

  • All activities must be completed independently on your own time/schedule within the 8-week timeframe. 

  • We will provide a suggested timeline and periodic reminders to encourage the timely completion of assignments. While we want to be flexible, we also want these learning experiences to be meaningful and we think timely and periodic work in the course will benefit participants more than trying to complete coursework at the last minute.

  • Coursework includes watching videos, reading articles, posting on public forums and Padlet boards, and writing/recording personal reflections.

  • The course is managed through Moodle - participants will be sent an invitation to access the course on the start date. 

  • Participants will receive a certificate of completion after completing the course. 

  The course is moderated by Jasjeet Dhanota, AEOE's Communications and Relationships Manager and a former science educator.

  One graduate unit is available upon completion of the course (the unit costs $79 and is purchased separately from University of San Diego). Note that you must also submit a certificate of competition in order to receive your transcript.

  Registration is open through December 31, but we recommend registering close to the course start date so you will have enough time to work through the course content. 

  Show details
• eeCourse: Teaching & Learning Outdoors

  • Start
    February 16, 2027
  • End
    April 02, 2027
  • Location
    Online - Moodle
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  eeCourse: Teaching & Learning Outdoors

  Description: This eeCourse is designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, tools, and resources to take environmental education learning outdoors. This eeCourse provides an introduction to environmental education; strategies to support outdoor learning like managing students, adapting for weather, and using technology outdoors; and ideas on how to integrate teaching and learning outdoors into your classrooms, homeschool classrooms, and programs.

  Timing: This roughly 6-week course takes approximately 15 hours to complete. The course runs from February 16 through April 2, 2027. If the timing doesn't work for your schedule, we plan to offer this again in the future. 

  Format: This is an asynchronous online course.

  • All activities must be completed independently on your own time/schedule within the 6-week timeframe. 

  • We will provide a suggested timeline and periodic reminders to encourage the timely completion of assignments. While we want to be flexible, we also want these learning experiences to be meaningful and we think timely and periodic work in the course will benefit participants more than trying to complete coursework at the last minute.

  • Coursework includes watching videos, reading articles, posting on public forums and Padlet boards, and writing/recording personal reflections.

  • The course is managed through Moodle - participants will be sent an invitation to access the course on the start date. 

  • Participants will receive a certificate of completion after completing the course. 

  The course is moderated by Jasjeet Dhanota, AEOE's Communications and Relationships Manager and a former science educator.

  One graduate unit is available upon completion of the course (the unit costs $79 and is purchased separately from University of San Diego). Note that you must also submit a certificate of competition in order to receive your transcript.

  Show details
• eeCourse: Accessible by Nature: Designing EE to Support All Learners

  • Start
    April 05, 2027
  • End
    May 20, 2027
  • Location
    Online - Moodle

  Register

  Accessible by Nature: Designing EE to Support All Learners 

  Description: This eeCourse uses the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible and challenging for all, rather than making modifications for individual students. UDL improves and optimizes teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn, giving all students equal opportunity to succeed. This eeCourse is designed to encourage you to reflect deeply on your practice to focus on how you plan and teach to support all learners. The course content and associated assignments are geared towards practicing environmental and outdoor educators. We hope this eeCourse will inspire you to strengthen your pedagogical practices so they are more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible.

  Timing: This roughly 6-week course takes an approximately 12 hours to complete. The course runs from April 5 through May 20, 2027. Registration is open through April 30 but we recommend registering sooner so you have ample time to complete the course content. This eeCourse is offered several times a year. 

  Format: This is an asynchronous online course. 

  • All activities must be completed independently on your own time/schedule within the 6-week timeframe. 

  • We will provide a suggested timeline and periodic reminders to encourage the timely completion of assignments. While we want to be flexible, we also want these learning experiences to be meaningful and we think timely and periodic work in the course will benefit participants more than trying to complete coursework at the last minute.

  • Coursework includes watching videos, reading articles, posting on public forums and Padlet boards, and writing/recording personal reflections.

  • The eeCourse is managed through Moodle - participants will be sent an invitation to access the course on the start date. 

  The course will be moderated by Amy Williams, Ed.D.

  One graduate unit is available upon completion of the course (the unit costs $79 and is purchased separately from University of San Diego). Note that you must also submit a certificate of competition in order to receive your transcript.

  eeCourse content was designed by Michelle Silvers of Silver’s Lining PLLC, Estrella Risinger with AEOE, Michelle Pearce and Lauren Pyle with the Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC), with contributions from Rebekah Jones and the Cooper Center for Environmental Learning.

  AEOE's eeCourses are offered in partnership with NAAEE and the Affiliate Network.

  
  

  Show details
• eeCourse: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Environmental Education

  • Start
    June 01, 2027
  • End
    July 15, 2027
  • Location
    Online - Moodle
  • Spaces left
    30

  Register

  eeCourse: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Environmental Education

  Description: This course is designed to provide a strong foundation in Traditional Ecological Knowledge and ways of knowing. It is meant to be an introductory course and spark interest in further learning around how we can more intentionally and respectfully incorporate traditional Indigenous ways of knowing into our environmental and outdoor learning programming.

  Through four modules, which incorporate a variety of readings, videos, and other interactive activities, you will: 

  • Identify some of the opportunities and challenges in using TEK to address environmental challenges
  • Develop your personal guidelines for integrating principles of TEK in your teaching which honor, acknowledge, and care take TEK and Indigenous people
  • Compare and contrast Traditional Ecological Knowledge & ways of knowing with Western science & ways of knowing 
  • Support your students in developing relationships with the world around them
  • Teach a lesson or a unit which integrates TEK knowledge and/or practices with your participants

  Timing: This roughly 6-week course takes approximately 15 hours to complete. The course runs from June 1 - July 15, 2027. This course is offered on a quarterly basis. 

  Format: This is an asynchronous online course, with an optional live session over Zoom (date TBD). 

  • All activities must be completed independently on your own time/schedule within the 6-week timeframe. 

  • We will provide a suggested timeline and periodic reminders to encourage the timely completion of assignments. While we want to be flexible, we also want these learning experiences to be meaningful and we think timely and periodic work in the course will benefit participants more than trying to complete coursework at the last minute.

  • Coursework includes watching videos, reading articles, posting on public forums and Padlet boards, and writing/recording personal reflections.

  • The course is managed through Moodle - participants will be sent an invitation to access the course on the start date. 

  The course is moderated by Jasjeet Dhanota, AEOE's Communications and Relationships Manager.

  One graduate unit is available upon completion of the course (the unit costs $79 and is purchased separately from University of San Diego). Note that you must also submit a certificate of competition in order to receive your transcript.

  Note that registration is open through June 30, however we encourage you to register earlier so you have the full 6 weeks to complete the course. 

  Show details