Environmental Education Professionals and K-12 School Counselors: Collaboration for Engaging the Conservation and Natural Resources Workforce of the Next Generation

Author

Brent M. Erb, Kutztown University of PennsylvaniaFollow

Date of Award

Spring 4-7-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

DOI

https://doi.org/10.70013/a5urk38n

Degree Name

Ed.D. Transformational Teaching and Learning

First Advisor

Dr. Denise Bosler

Second Advisor

Dr. Andrew Miness

Third Advisor

Dr. Elizabeth Hoover

Abstract

Environmental education (EE) professionals often fail to reflect the diverse, intersectional identities of the students and communities they serve. As frontline professionals among the conservation and natural resources (CNR) professions, addressing this requisite and urgent disparity is vital for fostering equitable teaching and learning environments that are safe, welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. EE professionals play a pivotal role in filling knowledge gaps, fostering ecological literacy, and introducing students to CNR careers, just as K-12 school counselors play a meaningful role in helping students expand upon their interests and acquire experience and skills to cultivate self-efficacy to support the belief in their ability to participate in the realization of their postsecondary goals. Research reveals that a lack of awareness of CNR careers serves as a significant barrier to access; students are more engaged in learning when they see themselves reflected in their educators; and school counselors can have a profound influence on the career pathways of students under their purview. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, Pennsylvania K-12 school counselors were studied to gain an understanding of ways that EE professionals can effectively raise awareness of CNR careers among underrepresented and marginalized students and resources that would best assist them. Findings reveal that outreach, collaboration, and the provision of age-appropriate, relevant, and culturally responsive resources are substantial strategies for raising awareness and supporting students from a wide range of communities.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Erb, Brent M., "Environmental Education Professionals and K-12 School Counselors: Collaboration for Engaging the Conservation and Natural Resources Workforce of the Next Generation" (2025). Education Doctorate Dissertations. 49.
https://research.library.kutztown.edu/edddissertations/49