Course Information

COURSE DATES & LOCATIONS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Leave No Trace Master Educator Course is designed for individuals who will be teaching Leave No Trace Trainer Courses and Leave No Trace Awareness Workshops. The Master Educator course focuses on the specifics of running Trainer Courses and covers how to facilitate a Trainer Course, including planning, logistics, equipment, running groups in the field, meals, risk management, and teaching tips for each principle. Through classroom discussions, lectures, and four-days of field experience, this course covers the seven Leave No Trace Principles and outdoor ethics, as well as giving the participants tools and techniques for disseminating low-impact skills to outdoor enthusiasts.

Our Zion National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park ME Courses are considered ‘front country’ courses, and will generally consist of low mileage each day over moderate terrain, to allow extra time to cover course material. Teaching sessions are held during the day and may continue into the evenings. Participants must be in good physical condition and must be able to hike with a full pack for 2-4 miles per day.

Our Grand Canyon and Snowy Range ME Courses are considered ‘back country’ expeditions, and will include significant elevation gain and loss, average 4-5 miles per day, and require pack weight between 40-60% of student’s body weight. Participants must be in good physical condition, and must be able to hike on uneven terrain with a full pack for 4-5 miles per day.

There are also opportunities for private basecamp-style courses that generally involve minimal travel during the day, which may be better suited for some individuals. Please contact our Admissions Department for more details on planning a private course.

CURRICULUM

A Leave No Trace Master Educator Course emphasizes skills and techniques essential to Leave No Trace minimum impact outdoor ethics and education. Leave No Trace courses do not teach basic travel, camping, or other outdoor skills, nor do they provide outdoor instructor certification.

Core Components for Master Course Curriculum

1. Review of the role of Leave No Trace Master Educator.
2. Discussion and practice of the principles and ethics of Leave No Trace.
3. Discussion of the Leave No Trace Trainer concept and Training Guidelines.
4. Overview of recreation ecology and human dimensions of natural resources, and types of resource and social impacts.
5. Discussion of Leave No Trace teaching skills and techniques, student learning styles, and development of lesson plans.
6. Development of a Leave No Trace Action Plan.
7. At least one student-led teaching exercise by each participant.
8. Focus on interactive and hands-on field experiences.
9. Review of the mission and need for the Leave No Trace program.
10. A historical overview of the Leave No Trace program.
11. Discussion of the role, function, and administrative structure of the federal land management agencies’ Leave No Trace programs.
12. Overview of the role, function, and administrative structure of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

ON-COURSE TEACHING

The Leave No Trace Master Educator Course is the foundation of the national Leave No Trace education model. Graduates of the Master Educator Course are expected to teach others, including agency personnel and the general public, the principles of Leave No Trace through Awareness Workshops of any length or Leave No Trace Trainer Courses of at least 16 hours in duration.

In order to better equip Master Educators to meet this expectation, each participant will teach at least one class in the field during their Master Educator Course. These classes provide hands-on learning experiences and the chance to practice Leave No Trace teaching strategies in a supportive, educational environment.

Prior to the course, each participant will be assigned one of the 7 Leave No Trace Principles (or potentially a related topic) to teach to the rest of the group.  Teaching sessions should be 15 minutes long (participants may be asked to do an additional, short 5 minute lesson). Participants are encouraged to use creative and interactive teaching styles (skit, role-play, game, question & answer, etc.) and to avoid a lecture format. The Leave No Trace website, www.LNT.org, is a great resource for background information and teaching ideas and includes an excellent page for Teaching Resources: https://lnt.org/teach/research. Participants should start planning their teaching session well before the course, however course instructors can provide more information and help when the course starts.

Remember that classes generally take place in the field, so participants will not have access to audio/visual equipment. However, visual aids can be drawn on packable items such as a white plastic bag to be slipped over a sleeping pad. A good visual aid leaves a strong image and reinforces the topic of discussion.

Each participant will receive constructive feedback from the instructors and other participants at the end of their teaching session. This process is not intended to be intense or stressful, but rather an opportunity to practice teaching Leave No Trace principles to others in a comfortable environment to enable you to learn and grow as an educator.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

• Master Educator Course Scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition are available through Leave No Trace! Leave No Trace Scholarship Information
• SROM has scholarships available for students. For more information on SROM scholarships: Click Here!