EECP 2025–2026 - EDC-X751AA

Course Description

Credit Validation for Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE) Participants Only

The Environmental Educator Certification Program (EECP) recognizes experienced environmental educators for their skills and contributions to the field while bringing together environmental stewards and educators through a structured and impactful professional development experience. EECP is an 11-month program in which environmental educators demonstrate their competencies through group discussions, individual reflection, assignment submissions, and the completion and presentation of a community action project.

Through participation in the certification program, educators expand their professional networks, build meaningful connections across the state, and develop a deeper understanding of the diverse career pathways available within environmental education. EECP is conducted online through Zoom and utilizes Moodle as its learning management platform.

Program Elements

Cohort Participation: Each participant joins monthly cohort calls consisting of approximately 20 members. Cohort meetings include check-ins, presentations of relevant content, breakout conversations, and collaborative group assignments. Meetings are conducted through Zoom.

Engagement in Online Learning Community: Participants engage in online discussions, collaborative conversations, and digital submission of assignments through the learning platform.

Completion of Independent and Group Assignments: Assignments may include reflections on articles and videos; completion of learning modules (such as online learning modules developed by NAAEE); exploration of participants’ bioregions; personal reflection on practices related to social and emotional learning (SEL) and equitable and inclusive teaching practices; lesson plan review and submission; and planning, presenting, and reporting on the final community action project.

Professional Development: For the 2025–2026 program year, AEOE is partnering with UCANR California Naturalist to offer EECP participants an asynchronous, condensed version of the Climate Stewards Program. AEOE is also partnering with Project WET to provide a professional development workshop for course participants.

Community Action Project: The program culminates with a community action project that allows participants to apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program while creating a positive impact within their community. Projects are presented at or around the spring statewide conference or through an online alternative format.

Community Action Project Presentation: Attendance at the spring statewide conference, where community action projects are presented, is strongly encouraged. An online presentation alternative will be available. Conference scholarships are available for participants who need tuition assistance.

Mentorship: Each participant is matched with an environmental education mentor who provides guidance and support through monthly virtual small-group meetings. Participants work with mentors to establish professional learning goals and discuss progress toward their culminating community action project.

Learner Outcomes

• Demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and understandings outlined in the Guidelines for Excellence in Environmental Education, including assessment and evaluation practices that support effective instruction and programs
• Describe the goals, theories, practices, and history of environmental education while recognizing the responsibilities associated with practicing in the field
• Design and implement effective environmental education instruction by combining the fundamentals of high-quality education with the unique features of environmental education
• Facilitate open inquiry and investigation that encourages learners to explore complex environmental issues, consider multiple perspectives, and engage in thoughtful reflection
• Engage in reflective practice and collaborative discussions to strengthen individual and collective knowledge, skills, and professional growth

Course Details

Number of Units: 1.0 - 9.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours. 

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE) Participants.

PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization (AEOE)
Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.

• Homepage: AEOE
• Enroll: Environmental Educator Certification Program (EECP)
• Contact: info@aeoe.org

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

Step 2: Complete the Course 
Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments. (Some courses, specifically DoDEA courses, may require participants to purchase units before the course ends; please check the enrollment window for details.)

Step 3: Register for University Credit
After confirming your registration with the partner organization and completing your program, return to USD’s website.

• Locate the same course on our listings page
• Click Add to Cart
• Click Check Out
• You will be prompted to either log into your USD Student Account or create one, and then pay for your units

If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.

Step 4: Submit your Certificate of Completion
After completing this course, you are required to submit your certificate of completion, which will be provided by your program. Please be sure to purchase your credits first, then email your certificate to pce-cv@sandiego.edu, including the course number in your message.

Step 5: Receive Your Transcript
No further action is needed. Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned university credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account. 

Transcript Process: Once we receive your certificate of completion, we will begin processing your transcript. Participants are responsible for ensuring that their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.