Request for Feedback: Advancing a Statewide Environmental Education Certification in Tennessee
The Tennessee Environmental Education Association is leading the development of a statewide Environmental Education Certification designed to increase the capacity of educators across Tennessee and strengthen environmental education practices in classrooms and communities statewide.
Since August 2025, a dedicated Advisory Group representing ten organizations from across Tennessee has been meeting regularly to design and develop this certification. This collaborative initiative is shaping a shared vision for environmental education across the state, grounded in practitioner expertise, cross-sector partnership, and a commitment to high-quality learning experiences for all students.
Advisory Group Focus and Contributions
Through the leadership of three committees, Structure and Evaluation, Communications and Marketing, and Partnerships and Fundraising, Advisory Group members are:
- Designing the framework for a statewide Environmental Education Certification
- Documenting and elevating best practices in environmental education across Tennessee
- Supporting the development of Tennessee-specific pathways for environmental education credentials
- Mentoring and supporting educators through a statewide network
- Strengthening collaboration across schools, nonprofits, agencies, and higher education institutions
Current Phase of Work
The Advisory Group has established a strong foundation for the certification and is now entering a critical phase of refinement and development.
Current priorities include:
- Transitioning the certification to an online platform to ensure statewide access
- Finalizing partnerships with organizations and institutions that will help deliver, teach, and evaluate certification coursework
- Developing the Tennessee Environmental Literacy course, the flagship course of the certification, focused on human impact, systems thinking, future-ready environmental learning, and Tennessee-specific content and contexts
Request for Feedback
We are actively seeking input from educators, partners, and stakeholders across Tennessee.
Your feedback will directly inform the refinement of the certification and help ensure it meets the needs of educators working in diverse settings across the state.
Feedback and Interest Survey
We value your feedback. Please take a moment to complete our survey and help guide the final development of the certification.
Project Impact
This initiative is designed to support Tennessee educators with the tools, knowledge, and professional community needed to deliver effective environmental education.
Research shows that environmental education:
- Improves student engagement and academic outcomes
- Strengthens critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Supports student well being
- Builds long term stewardship and civic responsibility
By investing in educator capacity, this certification aims to expand access to meaningful environmental learning experiences for students across Tennessee.
Partnership and Support
This work would not be possible without the partnership of Ivy Academy, whose leadership and collaboration have been instrumental throughout the process, and the support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, whose funding has made this initiative possible.
Get Involved
TEEA is seeking to expand the reach and impact of this work through additional funding and strategic partnerships.
To explore partnership or funding opportunities, contact [email protected]
The 2025–2026 Advisory Group Cohort represents a diverse group of ten Tennessee-based organizations with expertise spanning K–12 education, higher education, conservation, and community engagement. Together, these partners bring deep experience in environmental education, systems-based learning, and educator support. Their collective leadership is guiding the development of a statewide certification that is grounded in practice, informed by cross-sector collaboration, and responsive to the needs of educators and students across Tennessee.
