Professional Development

The Parks & People Foundation supports professional development for teachers through our Schoolyard Habitat & Education Program (SHEP).

SHEP provides training for teachers on how to use schoolyard habitat gardens to implement Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). Teachers apply concepts learned during the workshops to lead students in designing, installing and maintaining habitats in their schoolyard. Hands-on lessons taught in outdoor classrooms using schoolyard habitats reinforce concepts taught in all subject areas. In addition, connecting to nearby nature provides daily opportunities to strengthen a sense of community and caring as well as enhancing physical and mental well being.

SHEP workshops are held after school once a week for 3 weeks. Each 2.5 hour workshop takes place at the school and combines resource sharing with outdoor hands-on lessons. Workshops address curriculum concepts, learning objectives, and habitat garden design and maintenance. All lessons are aligned with the Maryland State Curriculum.

In addition, SHEP supports teachers and schools in attaining Green School certification through the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) Maryland Green School Award Program.

For more information about SHEP and other professional development options, email Robert Floyd or call him at (410) 448-5663 ext. 113.

Funding for the Schoolyard Habitat & Education Program is provided in part by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and NOAA's Bay-Watershed Education and Training program