As one of the 56 Affiliates within the Affiliate Network of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), the Arizona Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) supports formal and informal educators providing programming and content to a wide variety of citizens of all ages.
As an Affiliate of NAAEE, we host a variety of networking and professional learning opportunities in state, as well as collaborate with other NAAEE Affiliates to host events at the annual NAAEE conference as well as webinars, online discussions, and blogs. AAEE strives to provide professional development opportunities, such as the Environmental Education Certification Program, across the state of Arizona.
Our Vision
A vibrant and ecologically sustainable future for Arizona with a well-informed and engaged population comprised of socially and ecologically responsible institutions.
Our Mission
Educate, Inspire, and Empower one another to actively and responsibly engage in our communities ecologically, socially, and civically.
What do we do?
Inclusion
We strive to meet Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in all aspects of the programs we provide and organizations we support.
Best Practices
We offer guidance and training in best practices for EE. Specific best practices are available for early childhood educators, K-12 educators, and non-formal educators.These Best Practices were developed and distributed by North American Association for Environmental Education.
Key Characteristics
Promote the elements of sound EE materials.
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Key Characteristic #1 : Fairness and accuracy
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Key Characteristic #2: Depth of content
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Key Characteristic #3: Emphasis on skills building
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Key Characteristic #4: Action orientation
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Key Characteristic #5: Instructional soundness
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Key Characteristic #6: Usability and replicatable
Our Core Values
Education Standards
- Utilizing best practices in environmental education will help Arizona to achieve environmental literacy.
- Education practices should include the environment as an integrating context as well as an emphasis on critical thinking skills.
- The content and methods used in high-quality Environmental Education should be based upon peer-reviewed research in science, education, and psychology.
Sustainability
- AAEE supports and facilitates opportunities that promote the continuation of environmental education.
- All activities will be conducted in a manner that minimizes the negative impact on the environment through efficient use of resources.
- All practices should encourage environmental, economic and social responsibility.
Diversity
- All environmental education should consider the contributions, worldviews, opinions, and perspectives on environmental issues of everyone connected to the content being explored.
- AAEE supports only culturally responsive environmental education.
- AAEE promotes an inclusive organizational culture.
Community Engagement
- It takes the participation of every individual to develop the most environmentally literate society.
- Collaboration maximizes efforts and leads to more effective programs.
The AAEE Annual Report
Download the annual report to see how AAEE made strides through the years! Includes initiative highlights, financials, survey results and more.
AAEE Board of Directors Meetings
The AAEE Board of Directors meet monthly, usually on the first Tuesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public – if you’d like to join us contact president@arizonaee.org for more information.
