For Educators

Links

Field Trips: Learn about our field trip programs for schools and youth groups, and apply for a trip for your class
Visitor Centers and Naturalists: Get contact information for our visitor centers and read bios of our naturalists
Educators Academy Brochure: We offer classes for educators to gain the knowledge and skills to use parks as extended classrooms. Download the 2008 brochure in PDF format
EBparks Online: Sign up for Educators Academy classes and other public programs online
Educators Academy Class Descriptions: View descriptions of this year's classes offered to educators
Educators Academy Scholarships: Learn how you can apply for a scholarship to take Educators Academy classes
Educators Academy credits from CSU East Bay: Learn how you can earn graduate-level academic credits form CSUEB Continuing Education through Educators Academy classes

The Educators Academy is an outstanding opportunity to help educators become comfortable using parks and other environments as extended classrooms for students. Programs are interdisciplinary, featuring proven discovery techniques, hands-on, minds-on, in real world environments. The programs integrate California State Content Standards, State Frameworks, and are fun. You'll love these easy-to-follow activities with results you can see through student interest and learning. Your satisfaction is guaranteed!

The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) and Regional Parks Foundation are committed to giving educators the knowledge and skills to use parks and other outdoor environments as extended opportunities for student exploration and study. The Educators Academy helps accomplish these goals.

Enrolling in a Session
Refunds
Cancellation
Class Size
Class Attendance
Transfers
Grades and Credits
Resident/Non-resident
Incentive Programs

Enrolling in a Session

You may enroll online, by telephone, or by fax if you are paying by VISA or MasterCard. To enroll online, go to EBparks Online, or you can call 1-888-EBPARKS between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Have the course numbers and your credit card ready. To enroll by mail or fax, complete the enrollment form on page 7 of the Educators Academy brochure (22 MB, 8 pages, PDF) and send. Back to top

Refunds

Refunds are granted when a request is received by the Reservations Department a minimum of seven days before the class begins. To reach the Reservations Department, call 1-888-EBPARKS between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Back to top

Cancellation

A class may be cancelled seven days before it begins if enrollment does not meet minimum requirements. You can help ensure that classes will not cancel by enrolling early with friends. Back to top

Class Size

Limited. Enroll in classes early. Waiting lists will be established. Back to top

Class Attendance

Registered students who do not attend the first class meeting will be dropped from the class without a refund. Students who are taking a class for CSUEB credit must attend and participate in the entire session of each class. Back to top

Transfers

Transfers from one class to another may be approved if the request is received by the Reservations Department a minimum of seven days before the earlier of the two classes begins. You may not transfer into a class that has already begun or that is full. To reach the Reservations Department, call 1-888-EBPARKS between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Back to top

Grades and Credits

University credit is optional and is paid for on the first day of class. All classes taken for credit are graded. Back to top

Resident/Non-resident

Resident is defined as anyone who lives within our service area of Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Back to top

Incentive Programs

Partial Scholarships

Funds are available for teachers in Alameda/Contra Costa County to defray costs for those with financial need. Click here for more information and to download the application form. Back to top

Bring a Friend!

If you enroll at the same time for the same course number, you will both receive $10 off your EBRPD fee! Back to top

In-Service Hours

For most school districts in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, the Educators Academy classes count toward school district in-service hours and credit. Back to top

T.O.P. Teachers

Once you have completed an Educators Academy session, you are eligible for the Teacher Opportunity Program, which offers special benefits such as priority scheduling for class field trips and low-cost field trip transportation for qualifying low-income schools. Back to top

University Credit

The Educators Academy provides opportunities to earn graduate-level academic credits from California State University East Bay, Extended and Continuing Education.

The Regional Parks Foundation and the East Bay Regional Park District are committed to giving educators the knowledge and skills to use parks and other outdoor environments as extended opportunities for student exploration and study. The Educators Academy helps accomplish these goals. Back to top