2021 CalNat Instructor Training: Fall Virtual Statewide

November 2, 3, & 5 from 2:30 - 4:30 PM

Due to in-person meeting safety restrictions from COVID-19, the California Naturalist program is holding our annual NorCal instructor training online. The now statewide CalNat virtual instructor training is November 2, 3, & 5 from 2:30 - 4:30 PM. 

The training is an introduction for organizations who have completed a partner interest form and have initiated plans together with the California Naturalist program team to offer the course. For new partner organizations, attending a training is one required step in the application process to offer the course. For our existing established programs, this training is optional for any new instructors that are part of your team, those who have not attended a training within the last 3 years, or those interested in CalNat's online curriculum tips and resources.  

Cost: $80 per person.

Attendance: Instructors must complete all 3 sessions and review asynchronous materials.

Registration and payment: Complete the survey using the link to confirm your attendance no later than 5:00 PM Wednesday, October 27. Space is limited and organizations that are currently planning courses with the California Naturalist Program in 2022 will be given priority for participation.

Training organizers: The training team includes California Naturalist Program staff, with support from experienced program instructors. 

Asynchronous materials: Prior to each class session registrants will receive the zoom meeting access information, as well as materials for asynchronous review. To reduce the amount of time spent in a Zoom meeting, we have prepared these materials with essential information to learn about the CalNat program and ensure a successful course. We will reference them in the live sessions, so please be sure to look over all.

Additionally, we recommend participants become familiar with the UC California Naturalist website and the UC California Naturalist Handbook that serves as the textbook for the program. The Handbook is not included in the workshop cost. Click here for 30% off.

Agenda (subject to change):

Session 1, Nov 2: Program Overview & Certification Requirements 
Agenda: Introductions, the CalNat program overview, course requirements, online learning
Pre-session materials: Create an iNaturalist account, watch the CalNat introductory video (5 min), review the Instructor Manual

Session 2, Nov 3: Administrative Elements
Agenda: Course administrative cycle, timeline of events, other administrative responsibilities
Pre-session materials: Look over Collaborative Tools resources, complete the instructor team worksheet, draft a capstone project idea list, review the VMS help page

Session 3, Nov 5: CalNat Pedagogy
Agenda: CalNat Community of Practice, designing with accessibility in mind, outreach and marketing, instructor panel
Pre-session materials: Browse the CalNat YouTube channel

Contact: Eliot Freutel Community Education Specialist with any special needs or questions: etfreutel@ucanr.edu