Earning the EEC-P demonstrates that you are a highly competent environmental educator who has the capacity to create, implement, and evaluate EE initiatives to evoke positive social-ecological change. The EEC-P is recognized by NAAEE and is the only certification in the state eligible for their accreditation.

The EEC-P is a 5 strand process.

Strand 1, Workshop: Environmental awareness, basic knowledge, and skills in EE

Strand 2, Best Practices: Planning and implementing EE lessons

Strand 3, Informational Paper: Environmental literacy and action through education

Strand 4, Action Project: Professionalism, leadership, and community

Strand 5, Capstone: Sharing and Celebrating

Earning the EEC-A demonstrates an understanding of EE and a commitment to restoring and protecting your local environment. This program option is for those people who are passionate and knowledgeable about EE but have not completed or pursued the EEC-Professional program.

The EEC-A is a 3 strand process that can serve as the foundation of a EEC-P with further work.

Strand 1, Workshop: Environmental awareness, basic knowledge, and skills in EE.

Strand 2, Professional Development: Attending EE professional development workshops and creating a lesson plan.

Although a worthy initiative, the EEC-A program will not be accredited by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE).

EEC-Justice is a supported pathway within MAEOE’s Environmental Educator Certification program designed to expand access to certification for educators working in historically under-resourced schools and communities.

This initiative removes financial and structural barriers so educators can earn the EEC-Associate credential while doing meaningful, place-based environmental education rooted in equity and community relevance.

The two schools/districts selected receive the full EEC-A program, mentorship, and up to five years to complete certification, with eligible past work counting toward requirements.

EEC-Justice strengthens local capacity for environmental literacy while honoring the expertise educators already bring to their work.