Our Mission
We advance environmental literacy in Virginia, for all Virginians, through the power of environmental education by promoting excellence, fostering collaboration, and inspiring community engagement.
Our Vision
We believe in an environmentally literate, resilient, and equitable Virginia.
What We Do
We are a professional network that empowers and uplifts educators with the tools they need to support equitable outdoor access, environmental literacy, and environmental justice.
We do this through:
Annual Conference – professional development and networking
Outreach & Engagement – connecting educators across Virginia
Certification Program – training and recognition for educators
Multi-Sector Collaboration – partnerships for impact
Supporting School Programs & Curricula – fostering environmental literacy
Environmental education promotes positive mental and physical health, improved food systems, a vibrant economy, and increased academic engagement.
RESILIENT
We embrace change and move forward through challenges while striving for growth and stability.
We describe ourselves by our core values:
Our Values
COLLABORATIVE
We believe our efforts are strongest when we work together to advance environmental literacy.
INCLUSIVE
We value and respect the diversity of people, ideas, and cultures. Equity is essential to our success, and we celebrate the differences that drive social progress.
COMMUNITY ORIENTED
We build relationships throughout our community to strengthen connections and advance our shared goals.
IMPACT DRIVEN
We focus on meaningful outcomes and measurable impact in the work we do.
OPTIMISTIC
We believe change is possible and that our work can create lasting, positive impact.
SUSTAINABLE
We approach our work mindfully and intentionally to promote environmental stewardship and long-term positive impact.
Our Community
VAEE is a statewide network of educators, organizations, and community leaders working together to advance environmental literacy in Virginia.
Our community includes:
Classroom teachers and school administrators
Nature center staff and outdoor educators
Environmental nonprofits and conservation organizations
Colleges and universities
Government agencies
Community leaders and advocates
Together, we share knowledge, build partnerships, and support one another in bringing meaningful environmental education experiences to learners of all ages.
Environmental Education in Practice
Environmental education helps people understand the connections between the natural world, their communities, and their everyday lives. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility, environmental education empowers people to make informed decisions and take meaningful action.
Modern environmental education builds on international frameworks such as the Belgrade Charter and the Tbilisi Declaration and is guided by best practices developed by the North American Association for Environmental Education.
Effective environmental education is:
Grounded in sound science
Rooted in a sense of place
Interdisciplinary, connecting science, society, and culture
Designed to support lifelong learning
Built on experiential and learner-centered education
Encouraging informed decision-making
Focused on systems thinking
Built on a foundation of sustainability
