The grant has these focal points:

• Environmental education

• Integration of  ELA with science and nature instruction

• Social-emotional learning

• Climate resilience

Cohort: We're looking for K–8 educators eager to share their expertise with others. Classroom teachers, informal educators, and environmental educators (e.g., from museums, parks, or nature centers) are all welcome to apply. Find the application link at the bottom of this page. 

Others: Any educator can attend the PD, without the stipend and materials.

We have great options this year! Each of the four full-day CREEC events will be offered at four regional in-person sites—located in or near San Mateo, Sacramento, Mendocino, and Shasta counties. Each event includes multiple date options. For those unable to attend on-site, a dedicated online day is available, though the virtual experience is more limited than attending in person. See the FAQs at the bottom of this page for details. 

Much value comes from the professional learning itself, and busy teachers deserve more. At the end of the school year, you will receive an $800 stipend and about $100 in nature exploration supplies (e.g., resource books, USB microscopes, black lights, etc.). There is only one day requiring a substitute. This is the employer contribution. The grant does not pay for subs. 

Click here for exact dates 

• Two days in mid to late summer 

• One school day in late September

• One Saturday in March or April

• Four 90-minute online sharing sessions throughout the school  year

Each day will have a choice of four physical locations or a Virtual Day. All four Sharing Sessions are virtual. See the FAQs at the bottom of this page for details.

• Attend all 8 PL Days (4) and Virtual Sharing Sessions (4). You may make up a maximum of 1 sharing session and 1 full-day workshop in Canvas. 

• Continuously work on a project of your choice using the PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) cycle. This could be a method you are implementing, a lesson you are modifying or writing, a project like a garden, or anything else related to the grant's goals.