Educators’ perceptions of environmental education and professional development in teacher preparation programs

ABSTRACTThe Kentucky University Partnership for Environmental Education collaborative assessed the need for environmental education (EE) in Kentucky. The research team conducted an initial survey and focus groups in order to develop a needs assessment survey. A total of 141 teachers and administrators completed the needs assessment. The results of the survey suggest that most teachers’ experiences in EE occurred post graduation; however, there is a strong level of agreement that EE is necessary and should be a part of teacher preparation programs. Increasing experiences for preservice teachers in EE could help to increase environmental literacy across the Commonwealth.