Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming an Instructor
FMNP Instructor applications will be determined according to (i) individual qualifications,
(ii) the appropriateness and sufficiency of any sponsor organization, (iii) Instructor
openings, and (iv) the mission and educational delivery needs of the FMNP.
Must Lead Instructors be affiliated with an organization?
Yes. New FMNP Instructor applicants must be affiliated with a parent organization
that will support FMNP training conceptually and physically (classroom for 20 students,
AV equipment that can project powerpoint presentations and videos).
Who reviews my application?
Instructor applications will be reviewed by appropriate FMNP staff and may also
be reviewed by certified FMNP Instructors from the area.
As an FMNP Instructor, am I required to teach an FMNP class each year?
As an FMNP Lead Instructor, you are expected to schedule and provide FMNP training
(40-hr module) at least once per calendar year – flexibility exists in how classes
are scheduled.
Can I build a team of FMNP Instructors to teach classes?
Yes. FMNP Instructor teams are an excellent way to provide excellent classes. All
FMNP Instructors must have minimum qualifications, apply and be accepted, attend
Instructor Orientation, and be registered as Instructors with the FMNP.
Do FMNP Instructors receive financial compensation?
Financial compensation is provided to the Instructor Organization (typically not
to individuals), and is currently established at $65/student.
Can different FMNP Teams/Training Locations teach classes together?
Yes, FMNP Instructors from different organizations are encouraged to collaborate
and assist each other in any and every way possible. This includes teaching classes
together. In these cases, the Instructors inform us how they wish the financial
incentives distributed.
Can FMNP Instructors invite guest lecturers?
Yes, Instructors may have guest lecturers provide additional information, but this
does not substitute for requirements for the FMNP Lead Instructor to ensure all
required FMNP presentations and videos are provided to the class. Only FMNP Instructors
should provide the FMNP presentations except under special circumstances which should
be discussed with the FMNP Program Coordinator or Program Leader.
Can FMNP Instructors have local experts lead field trips?
Yes, Instructors may establish partnerships with local experts (e.g., park ranger)
to assist during field trips, but the FMNP Instructors should still take an active
role in discussing local habitats, asking students questions, and assisting students
in the process of learning.
Can we schedule more than 3 field trips?
Each FMNP core module has 3 required field trips to representative ecosystems. Additional
field trips may be scheduled as an option at the discretion of the Instructors,
but additional field trips cannot be made mandatory. Because additional field trips
are optional, Instructors can charge a fee as necessary (e.g., to cover canoe rental).
If an additional optional field trip is planned, we encourage Instructors to post
this information on their course schedule.
What are the requirements for FMNP Students to graduate from a course?
Students are allowed to miss one class day, but otherwise must attend all classes
and field trips and complete the final project to be certified. If students miss
more than one class, we ask that they make arrangements with the Instructor to attend
another FMNP class or make up the class work they missed. These arrangements are
at the Instructor’s discretion and approval and may be discussed with the FMNP Program
Leader.
How do I market my class?
Instructors have primary responsibility for promoting their classes (newsletters,
mail outs, brochures, displays, hand-outs, public talks). The FMNP Program Office
provides various marketing materials to FMNP Instructors to assist with this process
(also available on the Instructor page of the FMNP website) and the FMNP Program
Coordinator markets all classes to FMNP Listserves.
How far in advance should I post my course schedule on the FMNP website?
We recommend posting your FMNP course schedule with the FMNP Conference Coordinator
at least 8 weeks prior to the beginning of the course. Registration closes two weeks
prior to the first class date to allow time for FMNP class materials, patches, and
pins to be mailed to the Instructor.
Additional questions should be directed to FMNP staff:
For FMNP questions or media requests:
Sandy Mickey
FMNP Interim Program Coordinator
Email: sandymickey@ufl.edu
Phone: 239-658-3400
Fax: 239-658-3469
For student registrations or financial issues:
Shelby Sowder
FMNP Conference Coordinator
Email: msowder@ufl.edu
Phone: 352-392-5930
FAX: 352-392-9734