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
Tuesday, May 13, 2025: Nature Based Activities throughout the Seasons
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: ESU #3 - 6949 S 110th St, La Vista, NE 68128
Register: at this link
Description: Research shows that nature-based activities have a significant positive impact on children’s behavior, cognitive development, social-emotional skills, and physical health. Spending time outdoors also promotes relaxation, helping to reduce anxiety and stress. This workshop will guide you in incorporating these benefits of nature into your daily routines, encouraging outdoor learning in any season. During this session, you’ll explore activities from the nationally recognized "Getting Little Feet Wet" environmental science program with a focus on summer activities and learn how to integrate nature play into your preschool or daycare setting to enrich the experiences of the children in your care. Participants will receive:
- 2 in-service hours
- A comprehensive curriculum guide full of additional lessons and activities
- Practical tips for incorporating nature play into your daily practices
- Please Note: Although any educator is welcome to participate, the activities presented at this workshop are best suited for early childhood providers and educators.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025: Sustainable Steps for Little Learners
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Location: Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties (8015 West Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124)
Register: registration link coming soon - please check back
Description: Teaching young children about sustainability is a great way for toddlers and preschoolers to learn empathy, responsibility, and relate to the natural world around them! Join Keep Omaha Beautiful and Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties for a workshop focused on activities to engage young children in sustainable practices. The session will focus on activities from the nationally-recognized environmental science program, "Growing Up Wild.” At this workshop, participants will receive:
- 2 in-service hours
- a curriculum guide full of additional lessons and activities, and
- tips for incorporating sustainability into everyday routines at your preschool or daycare.
For questions about educator workshops or KOB environmental education programs, please email Hannah.Rennard-Ganley@keepomahabeautiful.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.
