Pre-Conference Information

It's almost time! We are so excited to be hosting the Texas Association for Environmental Education's 39th annual conference. Before we can enjoy the event, we wanted to help you be more prepared for TAEE's first virtual conference. Please refer to our agenda and FAQ for more information on what to expect!

Agenda

Friday, September 25

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Come and go setting. Set up your profile in Remo and learn how to navigate the online platform while you do your own "tech check." It's also a chance to network with TAEE board members & participants from across Texas in an informal setting. BYO-Dinner.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Special session led by Kristi Hibler-Luton of EcoRise for new(er) teachers. We will introduce themes in project-based learning and help you navigate the world of environmental education in Texas.

Saturday, September 26

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Deep in the Heart

Keynote: Be the first to see clips of Deep In the Heart: A Texas Wildlife Story. This is a yet-to-be released documentary which will celebrate Texas conservation success stories while showcasing important ecological issues through the eyes of wildlife and wild places. Discuss with the film’s producer, Jay Kleberg, how environmental educators might utilize this educational and entertaining resource.

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Importance of Authenticity in Learning Experiences

Featured Speaker: Kristi Pierce from Harris-Galveston Subsidence District will discuss the importance of authentic learning experiences. Interactive and fun, participants will have opportunities to interact and practice using research-based principles.

11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Networking Time

11:30 - 11:45 a.m. Break, Switch to New Log In Code

11:45 - 12:15 p.m. Create a Space for All By Recognizing Opportunities for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Learning Session with August Vandiver of Pearland Parks & Recreation: Learn how to identify opportunities for better diversity, equity, and inclusion in your classrooms and organizations. Participants will work through a self-audit to better identify areas of growth as they go back to their spaces.

12:15 - 1:30 p.m. Harnessing the Benefits of Virtual Learning in Environmental Education

Learning Session with Kristi Hibler-Luton of EcoRise: Explore best practices for integrating Virtual

Learning into the school day using research-based methods. We will experience an EcoRise remote lesson and discuss strategies for each phase that can be used to ensure students and teachers get the most out of the experiences while leveraging the unique opportunities virtual learning provides.

1:30 - 2:15 p.m. Networking Time with EE providers (see complete list of participants here)

Frequently-Asked Questions

When will I get a certificate for my CPE hours?

It will be emailed after the conference.

How do I log in?

Use the email address you supplied at registration to look for three separate emails from the Remo platform. There are three, unique access links: Friday night, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon. Click the appropriate link to join the session. You will need to make/update a profile for the Remo platform (so we know who you are) when you first log in.

What kind of hardware do I need?

You will need a computer/laptop with the ability to hear through speakers or headphones connected to your computer/laptop.

Do I need a webcam or microphone?

You do not need access to a webcam or microphone to attend the conference but you will not be able to video chat or voice chat. Alternatively, there is a text chat option.

What if I have a slow connection?

Close all other windows and applications on your computer. Encourage your family to "get off the Internet!" and go outside (which may include the video streaming). Use the Chrome browser. Avoid using your VPN (this tends to disrupt video feed).

Will this be recorded?

No.

What if I have trouble logging in?

The Friday night social is meant to alleviate tech issues. Please log in Friday night and test your systems. Email [email protected] for assistance and we will do our best to help you. Remember, we're an all-volunteer crew that is new to this, too, so we thank you for your patience and grace. Also, try using Google Chrome browser, make sure you are using the correct email address, and close all other applications on your computer.

Are there any other resources available for first time Remo attendees?

Yes! Check out this brief video or this guide for instructions on setting up your profile and navigating the conference.

What if I can't go to all of it?

That's okay; attend when you can.

What if I need to mail you a check for my registration, or I have billing questions?

Make the check out to TAEE and mail it to John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, c/o Linda Dunn, 655 Martin Lane, Seagoville, Texas, 75159. Email [email protected] for any clarifications regarding your payments.

What if I became a member?

Watch your mailbox for a welcome packet, and your email box for updates.

Instructions from our Speakers

That's Right... You have Homework!

In preparation for the Keynote address, please review this sample curriculum for K-2 for Guadalupe bass. What do you like? Wish? Wonder?

In preparation for the afternoon session, Creating a Space for All, please review this document. This Organizational Self-Assessment Tool will be discussed and there will be time for questions. If you're a classroom teacher, you can think of your class or your school as the "organization."

In preparation of the afternoon session, Harnessing the Benefits of Virtual Learning, follow the steps below to access and preview the EcoRise curriculum and resource platform.

For teachers new to EcoRise:

1) Go to ecorise.org/enroll

2) Fill out the form and hit submit

3) Check your email for the "Welcome" email and use the link to create your username and password

4) Once in the platform, hit "Go to Course" in the upper right corner. In the course, click on "Lessons and Eco-Audits".

For teachers with an EcoRise account:

1) Go to ecorise.org/teacher

2) Username is your school email, hit “forgot password” if needed

*Participants will have access to EcoRise’s Sustainable Intelligence Program which includes over 160 project-based, standards-aligned, K–12 lessons across seven eco-themes, including energy, waste, food, water, public spaces, air quality, and transportation. These lessons are available in English and Spanish.

If you have any questions about TAEE's 39th annual virtual conference,

please reach out to us at [email protected].