Certification Program

PEEC Program Overview

The PEEC program’s mission is to foster and empower a professional environmental education network to promote environmental literacy in South Carolina. To achieve this mission, the PEEC course provides challenging and engaging multidisciplinary avenues to strengthen an individual’s skill set as an environmental educator.

The PEEC content blends the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Core Competencies with South Carolina specific topics, examples, and regions.

Program Highlights

  • Timeline for Completion: 2 years
  • Eligibility: South Carolina K-12 formal and nonformal educators
  • Environmental education training and experiences in the different regions of the state
  • 120 Hours of Renewal Credit through the S.C. State Department of Education

Registration Cost

$800 (If selected for 2024 – 2026 cohort, first payment of $400 is due 8/31/24 and second payment of $400 due 12/31/24)

Required Elements

  • Four, two-night and three-day, in-person workshops designed to develop skills for effective environmental education instruction.
  • Eight online modules using Google Classroom online learning platform. These modules explore topics such as the foundations and history of the field of environmental education.
  • Individualized elective component (90 hours) that encourages exploration of and the different regions of the state and aligns with the personal interests of the participant.
  • Capstone project that demonstrates mastery of knowledge and skill and involves the implementation of a new or revised program or product.

Length Certification Valid

5 years (recertification available)

Overview of 2024 – 2026 Course and Important Dates

 

PEEC Application Period: May 1 – June 30, 2024 (Application Opens May 1, 2024) 

2024 – 2026 Cohort Announced: July 31, 2024

PEEC (Virtual) Kick-off Meeting: September 18, 2024 from 6 – 7:30 pm

Coastal Region Workshop: January 17 – 19, 2025 

Upstate Region Workshop: August 5 – 7, 2025

Midlands Region Workshop: January 16 – 18, 2026

Upstate Region Workshop/Graduation: August 4 – 6, 2026

 

Applications

Applications for PEEC 2024 – 2026 will be accepted between May 1 – June 30, 2024. To apply for the program:

  • Be sure that you note the in-person workshop dates above – attendance is required at all four.
  • Complete the online application by June 30, 2024. The application will take you approximately 30 minutes to complete.
  • Submit one letter of recommendation from a current or former colleague who is familiar with your work by June 30, 2024 to peecprogram@gmail.com.

All applications will be reviewed by members of the PEEC Advisory Committee. Applicants will be notified regarding acceptance to the upcoming cohort; those not selected will be placed on a waiting list and notified should a space become available.

Ghost crab on the beach.