NatureBridge offers eligible teachers the opportunity to earn continuing education hours or credits for participating in a NatureBridge program with their students! The specific approval process varies by state and campus, but the opportunity is available through recognized state or higher education partners. Teachers interested in receiving continuing education hours should let their NatureBridge contact know before or during their program so they can receive the appropriate information and paperwork.
In most cases, teachers complete a short interest form, submit it to NatureBridge staff for verification, and then submit the approved documentation to their school district or the appropriate approving organization, following local requirements.
Please note: California teachers receive continuing education hours through our partnership with UC Merced's Professional and Continuing Education program. A $50 application fee per unit will be collected by UC Merced once their application process has been initiated by you.
Campus educators and staff can answer general questions about the process and provide the necessary forms, while more detailed questions can be directed to info@naturebridge.org for assistance.
The number of hours or credits you can receive is dependent on the duration of your school’s participation in your NatureBridge program:
Currently, the credits and hours NatureBridge offers for our environmental science programs are non-academic only. Please check back soon to learn more about our academic credit program!
Yes, to qualify for continuing education hours or credits, we ask that you actively participate in the planning process for your group and actively participate with your group in the field during your environmental science program.
Yes, participating chaperones who are teachers qualify for continuing education hours or credits!
Receiving continuing education hours or credits are contingent upon appropriate participation in and completion of your group's NatureBridge environmental science program. Acceptance of continuing hours or credits is determined by each teacher’s individual school, district, licensing agency, or other governing body and is not guaranteed by NatureBridge.