Fall 2022

April 29, 2024//Last Updated April 29, 2024
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FALL 2022 NEWSLETTER
Updates and information on the Maryland Green Schools Program, MAEOE events and much more!

Welcome back to the 2022-2023 school year!  We are looking forward to seeing you either virtually or in person at the many events we have planned throughout the year.

We are also excited to introduce our new Green Schools Application Online Portal. Beginning this year, all schools and centers will submit applications using this portal. The best part about this new portal is that you can start building your application now, even if you aren’t applying this year!

Keep scrolling through this newsletter to get more information on the Green Schools program, the MAEOE Conference, and upcoming events and professional development.

Alisa, Camille, Laura, and Mary
MAEOE Staff

GREEN SCHOOL/CENTER INFORMATION
Green SCHOOL Info Sessions (via Zoom on 9/13, 9/27, 10/4, 10/25 from 4:30-5:30 PM): Green School program introduction, deep dive into the application requirements, examples from other schools, and Q&A. Attend one. REGISTER HERE.

Green CENTER Info Sessions (via Zoom on 9/13, 9/27, 10/4, 10/25 from 3:00-4:00 PM): Green Center application intro and requirements, examples from other centers, and Q&A. Attend one. REGISTER HERE.

Online Portal Training (via Zoom on 9/14/ 9/22, 10/6, 10/27, 11/10, 12/7 from 4:30-5:30 PM: Create an account, learn how to submit an application, and ask questions. Attend one. REGISTER HERE.

Green TEACHER Leader Meetings (via Zoom on 9/12, 10/18, 11/15, 12/13, 1/17, 2/14, 3/7, 4/11, 5/2, 6/6 from 4:30-5:30 PM): Monthly informal conversations that focus on one theme within the Green Schools application. Attend one or all. REGISTER HERE.

Green CENTER Leader Meetings (via Zoom on 9/14, 10/20, 11/17, 12/15, 1/19, 2/16, 3/9, 4/13, 5/4, 6/8 from 3:00-4:00 PM): Monthly informal conversations that give you an opportunity to connect with non-formal educators at nature and environmental centers across Maryland. Attend one or all. REGISTER HERE.

Green School Committee Meetings (via Zoom; 12/8/2022: This is an open Committee meeting that anyone can join. Learn more about the program and hear the latest updates. REGISTER HERE.

Important Dates:

  • Intent to Apply due: 12/16, via online portal
  • Application Submission due: 3/17, via online portal
  • Award Announcements: 4/21, via email
  • Youth Summit, May 18, Sandy Point State Park

Information to Look for in early 2023

Pre-Review Sessions (Tentative dates: at the MAEOE Conference; via Zoom on 2/9, 2/14, 2/21, 3/7): Work with an expert and receive a preliminary review of your application prior to submission.

Reviewer Training (Tentative dates: via Zoom on 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16): Learn how to use the new online application portal to review an application.

Review Sessions – virtual and in-person (Tentative dates: 3/22, 3/23, 3/24, 4/5, 4/6, 4/12): These sessions will support the new online review process. Virtual sessions will be held at various times on two days. In-person sessions will take place in four different locations in Maryland. Interested in hosting a review session? Email greenschools@maeoe.org.

Questions? Email applications@maeoe.org.

 

MAEOE CONFERENCE

Learn Green, Live Green: Be Green
On February 3-5, MAEOE will bring together educators, resource personnel, scientists, and researchers to share their experiences and ideas at the Princess Royale in Ocean City, MD. Now is your chance to be part of the annual conference! Read through the instructions before you begin.

  • Do you have great ideas, lesson plans, or favorite STEM, STEAM, or NGSS activities?
  • Do you have knowledge of environmental education topics to share with PreK-12 educators?
  • Have you had amazing success introducing new DEIJA initiatives into your programs?

Submit your RFP by 5:00 PM on Friday, 9/30/2022.

Questions? Email conference@maeoe.org.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
We are still planning professional development opportunities for the year, so keep checking our website for updates. Here’s what we know so far. More information will be shared in the next few weeks.

NAAEE K-12 Environmental Education: Guidelines for Excellence Workshop (MAEOE Office, Baltimore, MD on 10/29 from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM): This grant-funded opportunity will give you an opportunity to explore the roadmaps to achieving environmental literacy and building a framework for effective and comprehensive environmental education programs and curricula. Registration will open soon!

Environmental Leadership Workshops (via Zoom on 11/2 and 12/14 from 4:30-5:30 PM. In-person on 11/19 and 12/14 from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM): This grant-funded opportunity is for both educators and students and will explore environmental issues and provide opportunities to discuss, analyze and exchange ideas. In-person location TBD. Registration will open soon! 

Green Schools are Awesome Course (Summer 2023): During this advanced Green Schools training, you’ll learn more about environmental literacy in Maryland and how these standards connect to systemic sustainability, student-driven sustainability practices, and community practices. Attend three trainings sessions and earn 1.0 MSDE CPD Credit. (member price: $40; non-member price: $60) 

Project Learning Tree Workshops

Trees and Me: Interactive, 7.5 hour in-person workshop for early elementary/elementary educators. Participants receive a guide, and can earn 0.5 MSDE CPD Credits. Date & Location TBD: late Oct/early Nov; (member price: $35; non-member price: $45) Registration will open soon!

Sensational Trees: Interactive, 7.5 hour in-person workshop for early elementary/elementary educators. Participants receive a guide and can earn 0.5 MSDE CPD Credits. Date & Location TBD: late February/early March (member price $35; non-member price; $45

PLT Facilitator Retreat: Join other PLT Facilitators from Maryland for this day long interactive retreat. Engage in PLT activities and learn about new resources. New and experienced PLT Facilitators are welcome. Date & Location TBD: early/mid-March 2023. 

MAEOE Summer Institute: This interactive two-day in person workshop for PreK-8 grade educators. Participants receive a guide and can earn 1.0 MSDE CPD Credit. June 21 & 22, Location TBD.

Climate Education Workshops: Spring 2023. More information will be shared soon!

Professional Development Calendar: Check out the MAEOE Professional Development Calendar for information on PD happening across the state. Many opportunities are free! This calendar is updated on a regular basis so check back often.

Questions? Email greenschools@maeoe.org.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Youth Advisory Council: MAEOE has formed a new Youth Advisory Council. If you know any high school students in Maryland who are interested in making a change. Meetings will begin soon!

Green Teams & Climate Action Quarterly Virtual Meetings (9/28, 12/14, 3/15, 6/7): More information coming soon! Registration will open soon!

Questions? Email greenschools@maeoe.org.
 OPPORTUNITIES FROM OUR PARTNERS
Click on the links for more information:Events

Contests:

Meetings:

Programs:

Surveys:
PROJECT LEARNING TREE
Project Learning Tree is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through Grade 12.

MAEOE is the State Coordinator for PLT and offers training to help you support integration of PLT into your program and classroom curriculum. We have virtual and in-person professional development opportunities.

Contact Mary Westlund at greenschools@maeoe.org to learn more about PLT Workshops. For more information about Project Learning Tree, click here!

RESOURCE LIBRARY
Have you visited the Resource Library on our website lately? There, you will find excellent information, references, and training to support environmental literacy and using the outdoors as a classroom. There are also resources that support teachers and parents at home, DEIJ materials, and grant information.
 MAEOE MEMBERSHIP
 Learn more about becoming a member of MAEOE here!

JOBS BOARD
Check out our Jobs Board for some great, environmental jobs in Maryland!
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