Centers of Regional
Environmental Education

What Is CORE2?

CORE2 is a network of environmental educators working together to coordinate, enhance, and expand professional development opportunities for formal and non-formal educators in Illinois.  CORE2 is organized using the existing Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI) regional structure.  Each region has a Regional TeamCoordinator who works with a small team of people within the region to facilitate the development, coordination, and delivery of professional development opportunities for environmental educators.  Five Centers Of Regional Environmental Education (CORE2) have been established. This infrastructure is designed to improve overall communication among EE providers, increase the knowledge of and availability of EE resources, and provide for future sustainability by coordinating EE training throughout the state.

Major support for CORE2 development is through a grant received from the EETAP States Program, which is funded by the US EPA. 

The overall goal of the grant is to significantly increase the effectiveness and reach of environmental education in Illinois. It is understood that this increase will look different in each region, both in structure and ultimate gain.

In addition to EETAP funds, more than 20 Illinois organizations have pledged and continue to give support. This money is being used to help finance the development of CORE2 and make the team vision a reality.

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Who Should Join?

CORE2 is set up to help any formal or non-formal educator interested in Environmental Education.  Teachers are encouraged to join.  There are stipends to assist them in attending meetings.

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Benefits

State-wide and Regional Benefits
  • Increase in formal and non-formal educator training.
  • Advancement of Goals 3 and 6 in the state strategic plan for EE called
    EL for IL     (Environmental Literacy for Illinois).
  • Increase equity of environmental education services throughout the state.
  • Completion of EEAI Strategic Plan objectives.
  • Formation of a strong support network for environmental educators.
Agency Benefits
  • Be recognized as a strong supporter of environmental education in Illinois.
  • Have increased name recognition throughout the region and state.
  • Strengthen relationships with Regional Offices of Education.
  • Increased opportunities for partnerships.
  • Financial support for professional development of Team leaders.
Team Member Benefits
  • Leadership and other skill development opportunities
  • Networking opportunities that will help to keep members up-to-date with current trends in formal and environmental education.
  • Professional and personal growth.
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Scope of Work

Year 4 - Year 5

With technical and financial support from the current EETAP States Program, Illinois has moved forward on several related fronts: a statewide database housed on EE-Link, major training initiatives for non-formal EE educators, and a network of partnerships for offering EE opportunities to formal educators.  During years 4 and 5 we plan to solidify what was started in Years 2-3.

The emphasis during Year 4 will be the database.  Through its calendar capabilities, we plan to eliminate duplication of efforts, coordinate teacher training throughout the state, and maximize partnerships.  We will be evaluating the database and making adjustments as necessary.  We will also be working to diversify membership on the CORE2 (Centers of Regional EE) Teams with the ultimate goal of reaching underserved and under represented audiences within the state.  Regions will assess the state of teacher training within their regions at the beginning and end of Year 4 using the assessment tool developed during Year 3.

The emphases in Year 5 will be further networking and coordination of efforts, as well as establishing diversity within the CORE2 Teams.  During Year 4, two CASES (Cultural Diversity) workshops will be held in the state for the CORE2 Teams.  We expect that these workshops will provide the impetus to look closely at our regions with the intent of developing a strategy during Year 4 to ensure diversity within the teams. At the beginning of Year 5, we will hold another CASES workshop, but for a broader audience, with the goal of implementing that diversity strategy.  During Year 4, the East Central (EC) CORE2 will pilot a partnership with the Illinois Science Teachers Association’s Building a Presence (BaP) Program, which is a statewide network that has been underway for about three years.  In Year 5, we plan to be fully integrated with the BaP Program.

In addition, we plan to hold a TOOLS Train the Trainer refresher workshop in February 2005.  By that time, two workshops will have been held in the state, so newly trained presenters will be able to share their experiences and brainstorm ways to reach additional participants.