Professional Development Workshops & Environmental Education Training for Educators
Research has shown that well-integrated, nature-based educational activities can improve children’s academic achievement, behavior, well-being, and physical development. In light of this and to help teachers effectively educate and inspire their students to be knowledgeable and committed stewards of the environment, we offer professional development workshops that train and certify educators in three of the most well-respected environmental education curricula: Project Learning Tree, Project WET, & Project WILD.
Upcoming Course Offerings
Oct 23: Bats, Spiders, and Leaves, Oh My!
Location: NE Extension in Omaha (8015 West Center Road, Omaha, NE, 68124)
Date/Time: Monday, October 23 - 6:30-8:30 pm
Description: Celebrate National Bat Week with your littles! Join us for an engaging, hands-on workshop where we explore easy to lead activities focused on bats, spiders, and fall leaves. Research shows that nature-based activities improve children’s behavior, cognitive reasoning, social-emotional skills, health, and physical development. So take the kids outside and enjoy what fall has to offer! This workshop will focus on fall-themed activities from the nationally-recognized environmental science programs, "Growing Up Wild” and “Project Learning Tree” and help you integrate nature play into your daily and weekly routines. At this workshop, participants will receive: 2 in-service hours, a curriculum guide full of additional lessons and activities, tips and tricks for incorporating nature play into everyday practices at your preschool or daycare. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
Nov 4: Nature Based Learning for School Age Children
Location: Elkhorn Schools Foundation (20272 Veterans Dr, Elkhorn 68022)
Date/Time: Saturday, November 4 - 8:30am - 12:30pm
Registration Link (Sign up no later than Wednesday, October 25)
Description: To a young child, a single tree can feel like a forest and a single flower can feel like a prairie. Even if you are located in the urban heart of Omaha, the nature around you provides opportunities for hands-on experiences while promoting physical and cognitive development, and social-emotional growth. So take the kids outside and enjoy what nature has to offer! This workshop will focus on activities for kids in grades K-5 from the nationally-recognized environmental science program, "Project Learning Tree," and help you integrate nature-based activities into your daily and weekly routines. At this workshop, participants will receive: 4 in-service hours, a curriculum guide full of additional lessons and activities, tips and tricks for leading guided nature play at your site for school-age children. There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required by Oct. 25.
Dec 5: Nature-Based Activities through the Seasons
Location: ESU #3 (6949 S 110th St, LaVista 68128)
Date/Time: Tuesday, December 5 - 6:30-8:30pm
Registration Link (Sign up no later than Wednesday, November 29)
Research shows that nature-based activities improve children’s behavior, cognitive reasoning, social-emotional skills, health, and physical development. Spending time in nature also promotes relaxation and helps to relieve anxiety and stress. So take the kids outside and enjoy what each season has to offer! This workshop will focus on activities from Project Learning Tree’s nationally-recognized environmental science program, "Trees & Me," and help you integrate nature play into your daily and weekly routines. At this workshop, participants will receive: 2 in-service hours, a curriculum guide full of additional lessons and activities, tips and tricks for incorporating nature play into everyday practices at your preschool or daycare during the winter months. There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required by Nov. 29.
For questions about workshops or environmental education programs, please email Hannah.Rennard-Ganley@cityofomaha.org.
About Our Certification Courses:
Project Learning Tree advances environmental literacy and promotes stewardship through excellence in environmental education, professional development, and curriculum resources that use trees and forests as windows into the world.
Project WET’s mission is to promote awareness of water and empower community action to solve complex water issues by providing training workshops on diverse water topics so that educators can reach children with objective, experiential, science-based water education.
The goal of Project WILD is to develop awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment resulting in informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment.
The following applies to all educator certification courses offered by Keep Omaha Beautiful:
- Workshop participants include early childhood educators and K-12 teachers.
- Courses are offered at little to no cost to participants.
- Through these workshops, participants become certified in the respective environmental education curriculum and gain the knowledge and hands-on experiences to help them engage their young learners in environmental education activities.
- Participants will receive a curriculum guide full of lesson plans and activities (that align with academic standards) that can be used in outdoor and indoor settings throughout the entire year.
- As certified environmental educators, participants are also granted online access to additional resources.
- KOB provides ongoing support to help educators fully integrate environmental education into their teaching.
