How do Wisconsin environmental educators perceive a potential, professional certification for individual environmental educators?

Abstract

The North American Association for Environmental Education encourages state environmental education associations to develop professional certifications for individual environmental educators. To understand perceptions in Wisconsin, the authors distributed an online survey. Survey questions encompassed participant demographics; certification benefits and challenges; perceived need for certification; leadership of the certification process; and components, costs, and timing of certification and recertification. Results were mixed on the need for a professional certification. However, if developed, respondents suggested certification should focus on professional development opportunities, fit within the educator’s career path at any time, take less than 80 h to complete, and cost $51–100.