Winter 2025:
Nature-Based Teacher Certification (Online)
Level 1 (Introductory Course)
Dates: Tues., January 14 - Thurs., February 20, 2025
Times: Meets online, Tues./Wed./Thurs. from 7-9 p.m. (EST)

Summer 2025:

In-Person Nature-Based Teacher Certification

Baltimore, MD | July 7-11, 2025
Level I (Intro): Nature-Based Teacher Certification

Baltimore, MD | July 7-11, 2025

Level II (Intermediate): Nature-Based Teacher Certification

Coyle, OK | July 21-25, 2025 

Level I (Intro): Nature-Based Teacher Certification

Coyle, OK | July 21-25, 2025 

Level II (Intermediate): Nature-Based Teacher Certification

Level III (Capstone): Nature-Based Teacher Certification
Dates: Oct. 23 - Aug. 3, 2025
Times: Meets monthly online, Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. (EST) from Oct. - June
In-person gathering: July 31 - Aug. 3, 2025

Current Level 3 cohort is closed.
Next registration for Level 3 begins August 2025.

About the Nature-Based Teacher Certification 

The Level 1 introductory certification course covers a range of skills and approaches crucial to implementing nature-based early childhood pedagogy. Topics include: working in and with the local landscape; risk management and safety routines; developmentally appropriate practice outside; emergent curriculum; licensing considerations; outdoor inquiry, literacy, creative arts, math, and games; making learning visible through documentation and assessment; breathing nature in classroom spaces;  gear, supplies, and tools; honing naturalist skills and personal sense of wonder; and ways to support your learning community. We will also touch on relevant research, standards, NAEYC positions statements, and policy that impacts delivery of nature-based ECE.

The Level 2 intermediate course is designed for participants who have already completed the intro credential. During the registration process, you may include special topics for deeper study.  The intermediate course delves into more nuanced facets of running a nature-based program, managing/mentoring teachers, and promoting your program. Participants will document outdoor teaching practices for an online learning component as part of the culminating credential. The intermediate course addresses these topics:

Preparation of the Guide: Reflective practices for deep, rich personal nature connection; approaches to hone clarity of mind, intentions, and purpose 

Teaching Practices & Outdoor Curriculum: Emergent and intentional curriculum; application of skill development across developmental domains in outdoor settings

Authentic Assessment & Documentation: Assessment of child growth and development in the context of outdoor learning

Administration: Shaping your program’s vision; key considerations for nature-based administrators; hiring; on-going staff mentoring; staff and program evaluation

Earth Skills & Handcrafts: Practical skills using tools and local natural resources; fire-making, foraging, and cooking with young children

Risk Management: Health and safety topics; policies and procedures that protect children, families, and staff; special considerations for administrators

Land Values & Stewardship: Implementing and instilling sustainable approaches to sharing the land and its natural resources; local natural history, ecology, and conservation topics surround a given site; identification of native flora/fauna and ecological communities; cultural and ethical considerations about land use

Which certification format is right for me: online or in-person?

On one hand, the in-person training affords many connections that an online course can't. You get to interact with fellow participants and fantastic presenters throughout the week. You benefit from the camaraderie and support of your colleagues as you experience new ideas, skills, and nature-based activities together - which is fun and inspiring. The live course takes place over five intense days away from work/home responsibilities, which allows you to be immersed in the training experience and focus on all the new ideas/skills that are covered.

On the other hand, the online course covers the same information but it is stretched out over six weeks in shorter sessions. This allows you to consider each topic and apply it immediately in your unique setting. Although the networking is different online, you still get to meet people from all over the country and world. Naturally, it costs more to run a live training and participants pay for accommodations. That means the cost is greater to attend the live training. If your budget is a primary factor in the decision, or if you don't want to until until the summer to take the course, then the online option is a great way to go! We only offer level 1 online, so you can always join us in person when/if you pursue levels 2 and 3.

Note: Regardless of the format you choose, we have built 36 clock hours of training into the course. While we understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, please note that we will not award a full certification to participants who miss a significant portion of the course. The training is for 36 clock hours, so if you do not attend the full course, we cannot award full hours or certification for this training. If a challenge suddenly comes up for you, let us know and we'll see how we can help.

Schedule for Level 1 and Level 2 (In-person training experience)

How do I obtain Nature-Based Teacher Certification (NBTC) status?

1) Complete the course, which is a live training event. (Level 1 is also offered as a six-week online option.) Successful completion is determined by:

• Active participation and attendance for the full training; if you do not participate for the full training, you will not be eligible for full certification, which is for 36 clock hours
• Completion of assignments including journaling/reflective practice, readings, cohort projects, and action plans
• Demonstrate thorough understanding of nature-based education and pedagogy based on training experiences

2) Proof of teaching requirements. This will vary depending on whether you work in a licensed setting or a non-licensed or informal setting. For those working in a licensed setting, you will need to submit completion of early childhood training, often referred to as a 90 hour certification OR the equivalent Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.  This ensures that participants have basic knowledge of early childhood education principles, which is required to work in a licensed setting. For people working in non-formal and unlicensed settings, this may be waived and a professional resume will be submitted instead (EX. home school parent, Montessori teacher, college student, outdoor educator, etc.). 

3) Proof of current Infant/Child First Aid and CPR credentials. *Please note that NBTC participants receive a discount on the first aid/CPR course offered by the Institute for WildMed.  Participants also receive a discount on WildMed's wilderness first aid course. 

You must upload these documents to fulfill the certification requirements, so please be sure to have them available if you would like to receive full certification at the conclusion of the training.  We will provide a training certificate to acknowledge either a "certificate of attendance" or "full certification". If you do not meet requirements stated above or some aspect is pending, we will award a certificate of attendance. If you would like the full certification, you may submit outstanding documents up to one year following the certification course for full certification status. Participants who successfully complete the training and provide required documentation will receive full certification.

Who should attend?

Educators, administrators, and child care providers are ideal participants for the Nature-based Teacher Certification.  Others who could benefit include: parents, camp leaders, church leaders, retired teachers, scout leaders, after school youth programmers, etc. The course is designed for practitioners working in a range of learning environments including nature preschools, forest kindergartens, traditional preschools, public schools, childcare centers, or daycare settings. Participants will consider their unique locations to determine how to make the most of their indoor and outdoor learning environments.

Who are the trainers?

Experienced nature-based educators and naturalists from across the region share their knowledge throughout the course. You can count on outstanding expertise throughout your course experience. Details will be forth-coming for registered participants.

How long is the certification current?

The certification is good for (3) three years from date of completion. After that, you must take the Level 2 certification (good for another three years) or at least 12 clock hours of nature-based training with ANBE each year thereafter to remain current. 

Meals & Accommodations (In-person training experience)

Five-day course includes daily breakfast and lunch, Monday-Friday, with lunch and dinner only on Thursday. You can specify allergies and/or meal preferences when you register. Please be sure to bring your own canteen to use throughout the week. Overnight accommodations are not provided during the five-day course, but occasionally on-site camping is available. Please see the registration page for more details. 

Work Study (Available for In-person training experience)

For those needing financial assistance to attend our in-person course sessions (please also see our scholarship opportunities) we now offer work study volunteer opportunities. Work study volunteers provide support during the course with set-up/clean-up, presenter support, meal preparation, and more. In exchange for volunteer hours, work study volunteers receive a discount on registration fees.  For additional information, please contact our Programs Coordinator at programs@anbe.org.

Payment plans may be available upon request. Once a payment plan is initiated, remaining installments will be deducted automatically. The total tuition balance must be paid in full prior to attending the event. To inquire about a payment plan, please reach out to Jasmine Atkins (jasmine@anbe.org).

About the Training Sites

We select partners that have ample outdoor spaces for our live gatherings and indoor spaces for inclement weather or sessions that may need A/V equipment. If you run a nature-based program or school, we encourage you to contact us as if you'd like to be considered as a potential host site. Each summer we offer one week of training in Baltimore, MD and rotate to offer another week of training in another state. 

Please note that all participants are required to complete this waiver during registration. Our refund policies are found here as well. Additional health precautions will be implemented to safeguard our learning community from the spread of COVID-19 based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. For additional information, contact the Program Coordinator, Kirsten Mize.

Spaces are limited and these courses fill! Don't delay if you'd like to join us!