Arkansas PLT Facilitator Information and Resources

Thank you for all you do to help promote Project Learning Tree in Arkansas. This program has grown in popularity over the years with an increase in both the number of professional development events and educators trained. With this growth, it has become difficult for the state coordinator to conduct each PD event. From the assistance of dedicated and willing volunteer facilitators, like you, that help conduct more PD events and reach more areas of the state.

Responsibilities of a Project Learning Tree Facilitator:

• Schedule or conduct at least one PLT professional development event per calendar year.

• Perform all aspects of conducting quality PLT PD events which reflect a balanced philosophy regarding forest resources and the environment, including, but not limited to:

• Follow national and state PLT policies in implementation of the PLT program
  

• Attend regular statewide Facilitator meetings

Desired qualifications for Formal Educator PLT Facilitator:

• Teaching/presenting experience (classroom preferred, other considered)

• Workshop leadership experience is beneficial

• Dedication to the principles of environmental education

• Commitment--willing to give up an occasional weekend for workshops and advanced training sessions

• Willingness to be available to workshop participants for assistance beyond the workshop

• Desire to learn and to participate in ongoing training

• Good communication skills--able to communicate effectively (speaking, listening, writing) with a variety of audiences

• Good "people" skills--able to relate well to people from varied backgrounds, help them feel comfortable, encourage their active participation, and motivate them to use the PLT materials

• Active use of Project Learning Tree and other environmental education materials and approaches

• Awareness of current educational trends and issues

• Awareness of current natural resource trends and issues

Desired qualifications for Non-formal Educator PLT Facilitator:

• Working knowledge of forest management or related resource management

• Dedication to the principles of environmental education

• Willingness to be available to workshop participants for assistance beyond the workshop

• Desire to learn and participate in ongoing training

• Good communication skills - able to communicate effectively (speaking, listening, and writing) with a variety of audiences

• Good "people" skills - able to relate well to people from varied backgrounds, help them feel comfortable, encourage their active participation, and motivate them to use the PLT materials

• Awareness of current natural resource trends and issues

• Awareness of current educational trends and issues

• Knowledge of Project Learning Tree and other environmental education materials and approaches

In return, PLT Facilitators may expect:

• Personal satisfaction from being part of a team of people committed to providing quality environmental education opportunities to the people of Arkansas

• Support from the Arkansas PLT Coordinator, including, but not limited to:

The training required to become a certified Arkansas PLT Facilitator is done through a Mentoring Process. The Facilitator Mentor Program is designed to train a person to become a facilitator progressively; the facilitator trainee is able to work at his/her level and to accommodate his/her schedule. Consider to share your knowledge and experience with others as they begin the PLT Facilitator mentoring process.

Thank you for your dedication to educating youth about our natural resources and the environment and being an active PLT facilitator.

Below are some helpful items that will guide you through the facilitation process. The documents include a link to the PLT Facilitator Handbook which is a living document and updated as needed.  Other documents include the required forms that will be needed to plan and conduct a PD event.