School openings outlined by our organization: Strategies for environmental educators and outdoor learning to aid in the process!
The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) has released a new publication titled "eeGuidance for Reopening Schools," offering recommendations for schools and districts to safely and equitably reopen for students this fall.
The guidance, which includes dozens of specific recommendations for schools and districts, was developed based on more than 65 community feedback calls conducted by NAAEE's Affiliate organizations with hundreds of environmental and outdoors learning providers from around the country during the spring of 2020.
Engaging community environmental and outdoor education programs is recommended as an alternative resource for learning, and tapping into the expertise of environmental educators is suggested to support teaching and learning. Support for at-home learning is also encouraged.
Outdoor classroom spaces are suggested as a strategy for adhering to physical distancing guidelines, and the guidance recommends creating healthier learning environments, such as by improving ventilation and promoting strategies for safe learning environments, which reduce transmission risks and potentially benefit marginalized communities disproportionately affected by indoor air quality issues.
The recommendations would emphasize equitable access to resources, including environmental education materials, outdoor learning spaces, and technology for remote or hybrid learning. Additionally, community engagement is encouraged, with a focus on involving diverse community stakeholders in planning school reopenings, ensuring all voices—especially those from underrepresented groups—are included.
Resources could include professional development for integrating environmental education into curricula and adapting teaching methods for health-conscious, equitable instruction. Special attention may be paid to ensuring students with disabilities and those from low-income families have equal access to safe, supportive learning environments.
The Affiliate Network, consisting of 56 organizations, forms the largest network of environmental educators in the U.S., and the association's work includes providing professional development, access to learning networks, and tools and resources. The association's Affiliate Network, which works together to build a robust and dynamic community of EE professionals and partners, is a driving force for creating an environmentally literate and engaged citizenry.
The Global Environmental Education Partnership, a global network dedicated to building capacity at the country level, is also involved in NAAEE's field-building activities and signature programs, such as the Natural Start Alliance and the Global Environmental Education Partnership.
The North American Association for Environmental Education serves professionals across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as globally, and is the only national membership organization dedicated to strengthening environmental education. The association's website can be found at [our website](https://our website).
- Educators can benefit from professional development opportunities that integrate environmental education into curricula and teach health-conscious, equitable instruction, as part of the North American Association for Environmental Education's (NAAEE) Affiliate Network resources.
- To create a more inclusive learning environment, schools and districts should consider incorporating online-education resources alongside environmental education materials, outdoor learning spaces, and technology for remote or hybrid learning, as suggested by the NAAEE's eeGuidance for Reopening Schools.
