Hosted by Oglebay Resort
Wheeling, WV
February 14 - 19, 2022
Conservation Education: Effective Program Design provides zoo and aquarium educators with a comprehensive overview of how to design, develop, implement and evaluate education programs and exhibit interpretive elements. Course materials include the latest research and trends in informal science education.
Course Objectives
After completing this course, participants will be better able to:
- Assess needs, design, and develop education programs, and evaluate programs and exhibits.
- Utilize zoo and aquarium industry trends and audience research in program development.
- Employ new strategies and activities to convey conservation messages.
- Collaborate more effectively with other zoo and aquarium departments.
- Enhance management skills of budgeting, team building, strategic planning, and partnerships.
- Develop the tools needed to participate in local, regional, and international projects.
- Assess the issues related to the use of technology for their own institutions
- Exchange information and ideas on marketing and implementing programs for children, families, and adults.
- Work with a team to develop a program idea and formulate a presentation for the instructors.
- Network with other educators and build relationships for future collaboration and information sharing.
- Obtain references and resources.
Instructors
Leanne White, Director of Education - Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Chad Fifer, Director of Education - Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Rebecca Nellis, Program Manager - Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Shareen Knowlton, Director of Education - Roger Williams Park Zoo
Elise Bernardoni, Assistant Director, Education Programs/Safari Day Camps Director - Smithsonian's National Zoo
Kyle Huetter, Education Manager - Disney's Animal Kingdom
Kathayoon Khalil, Conservation Impact Manager - Oregon Zoo
Is This Course Right for You?
This course is designed for zoo and aquarium staff that has either direct responsibility for education programs at their institutions, or for those staff who have an interest in, or connection to, education. Zoo and aquarium educators, volunteer/docent managers, exhibit design staff, children’s zoo staff, librarians, marketing, development and public relations staff will benefit from participation in this course.
Prerequisites
None. Priority will be given to AZA members. Those not affiliated with an AZA-accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis; please submit a letter describing your intended benefit from taking this course to azatraining@aza.org for consideration.
Course Schedule
First Day
- Student registration
- Opening evening ceremony
- Courses meet for individual opening session/class
Mid-Week
- Classes meet all day
Last Day
- Classes meet
- Closing Ceremony
Attendance is required for course participants for the duration of the course until the evening of the last day. As a result, individuals generally depart the following day. Attendees will receive a detailed schedule for their course after their registration is confirmed.
Course Travel & Registration
Travel & Accommodations
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is the closest airport. Airport Limousine Plus and First Class Limo provide a shuttle service between PIT and the hotel.
Course participants stay at Oglebay Resort & Conference Center in Wheeling, West Virginia and classes meet on-site. All lodging reservations are priced per person at a package rate. Your accommodations will include all: breakfast, lunches, dinners, and snacks throughout the entirety of your stay.
General Package Pricing*:
~$1150 Standard Double Room Package (Shared Room)
~$1370 Standard Single Room Package
~$1200 Deluxe Double Room Package (Shared Room)
~$1500 Deluxe Single Room Package
~$1260 Premium Double Room Package (Shared Room)
~$1600 Premium Single Room Package
~$1150 Cottage Package (Shared Cottage - 6 person maximum)
*Package pricing rates are all-inclusive and per person. Prices are subject to change
Please wait until you are admitted into the course before making your reservations. You will receive an email containing detailed information regarding your accommodations and transportation once you are admitted.
Tuition & Expenses*
The AZA registration fee below only covers tuition for the course. Other expenses include hotel, travel, and meals which are included at a package rate with lodging accommodations. For more information about costs and logistics for courses hosted by Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, WV, visit our Wheeling Courses Travel Information page. Registration prices are subject to change.
Scholarship funding for courses is available through a competitive process. AZA scholarship applications are due by mid-July and are awarded by early September.
AZA Accredited / Certified Institutions*
Early Bird Rate: Deadline 12 weeks prior to course start date
$950 with Individual AZA Membership
$1150 without Individual AZA Membership
Regular Rate: Deadline 4 weeks prior to course start date
$1150 with Individual AZA Membership
$1350 without Individual AZA Membership
Individual Membership must be Professional Affiliate or Professional Fellow to qualify.
Non-AZA Institutions
Early Bird Rate: Deadline 12 weeks prior to course start date
$1150 with Professional Associate Membership
Regular Rate: Deadline 4 weeks prior to course start date
$1350 with Professional Associate Membership
Individual Membership Requirement
Staff from non-AZA accredited institutions must have an individual AZA membership to apply and register for an AZA course.
Accepted forms of payment for registration are by: credit card, check or purchase order.
For information regarding our code of conduct, registration, and refund policies, please visit our Professional Development Course Policies page.
*Prices are subject to change