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Thinking of becoming a Florida Master Naturalist Instructor?
Why should I consider becoming a FMNP Instructor?
- There is no cost to becoming a FMNP Instructor.
- FMNP Instructors will generate programmatic funds for their educational program by receiving a portion of student tuition ($65/student provided to Instructor organization).
- FMNP Instructors can train their own volunteers and employees, and strengthen environmental education programs in your community by providing training to others.
- Master Naturalist Student Final Projects may benefit your organization by providing creative ideas and solutions that improve environmental education programming.
- FMNP Instructors will become part of regional and statewide efforts to create a work force of trained Master Naturalists to assist in environmental education and to promote a greater understanding of Florida’s ecosystems among residents and visitors.
What qualifications do I need and what steps do I take to
apply to become an Instructor?
- Educational requirements include a minimum of either a Bachelor’s degree
in a field of environmental science or education, or demonstrated
comparable practical experience providing environmental education programs.
- Instructors must be affiliated with an organization, agency, or group
that places a priority on science-based environmental education and is willing
to provide support for FMNP training (e.g., classroom, A/V equipment, etc.).
- Individuals interested in becoming an Instructor may apply online by sending their name, organization, qualifications, contact information, and specialty area of interest (Freshwater Wetlands, Coastal Systems, and Upland Habitats*). Instructors can be certified in all 3 subject areas.
- Approval of applications will be determined by qualifications of
applicant, appropriateness of sponsor organization, and geographic
considerations. Applications undergo peer review.
- Approved FMNP Instructors must attend a 2-day FMNP Instructor Orientation Workshop (no charge).
How long is the course, how is it structured, and how do Instructors present information?
- Each FMNP module consists of 40 educational contact hours (modules = Freshwater Wetlands, Coastal Systems and Upland Habitats). FMNP training can be scheduled to best fit the needs of Instructors and students (daily, weekly, etc.).
- Class size is limited to 20 students. Training includes classroom learning, field trips, practical interpretation skills, and group final projects. There is no final exam.
- All FMNP materials (4 videos, 12 slide presentations, Instructor and Student manuals) and details on their use are provided at no cost to Instructors during Orientation.
- FMNP materials cover ecology, habitats, wildlife, interpretation, ethics, and other topics to train Master Naturalist students to assist with environmental education programs.
- FMNP materials are designed to assist Instructors to personalize training to their region while still providing a statewide perspective on Florida environments, ecological processes, and conservation issues.
What do videos include?
- Each module* includes 4 videos. Freshwater Wetlands includes videos describing Florida’s Marshes, Swamps, and Permanent Wetlands, plus a video that explores past, present, and future perspectives and actions of Society and Wetlands in Florida.
What are the responsibilities of FMNP Instructors?
- Instructors are expected to provide FMNP training at least once per year. Additional training may be scheduled as desired.
- Instructors submit an Instructor Booking Form (ON-LINE) no later than six weeks prior to start of FMNP training to the University of Florida Conference Coordinator. The Instructor Booking Form includes organization information and a schedule of FMNP class dates, times, and places, which will be posted on the FMNP Registration web site.
- Student registration is performed ON-LINE and is not the responsibility of Instructors.
- A list of student participants and manuals, certificates, and pins for each student is mailed to Instructors 1-week prior to the training start date.
- Instructors lead classroom lectures, discussions, and field trips, and monitor students’ progress and attendance, and assist in completion of Final Projects as necessary.
- Upon completion of the course, Instructors submit a list of successful and unsuccessful FMNP students, and return unused student manuals, pins, and patches to the University of Florida Conference Coordinator to initiate tuition incentive payments.
- All successful Master Naturalists and all FMNP Instructors will be registered in a University of Florida database for reference purposes.
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