Two women from CCC earn state Environmental Educator certifications

Two women from Craven Community College were among 185 educators honored recently for earning state certification as Environmental Educators.

Both Cindy Seymour, a biology instructor from Trent Woods, and Morehead City resident Jill Fegley, the college's director of research and planning, were honored in Durham for their accomplishment.

Both women spent many hours completing the work needed for the N.C. Environmental Education Program.

"The certification program recognizes professional development in environmental education and the educators who have committed their time to instilling a sense of environmental stewardship in children and adults," said Dee Freeman, secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which is a partner in the effort.

"This program inspires educators to use the outdoors to teach math, science, social studies, language arts and art while connecting students to their communities and instilling an environmental ethic. It also helps provide future citizens and adults with the data and skills needed to make knowledgeable environmental decisions."

The state's Environmental Education Program was the first program of its kind in the country, N.C. officials say. Today, more than 1,800 teachers, park rangers, non-formal educators and others are enrolled in the program.

Participants must complete 200 hours of professional development, which includes instructional workshops, 50 hours of outdoor experiences, knowledge of environmental education resources and facilities, a teaching component and a community environmental stewardship project. 

Protection of the environment is a key concern of both women. Seymour, 29, grew up in Craven County and earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in science education from East Carolina University.

She is a leader of the college's Green Team, which coordinates environmental projects on campus.

Meanwhile, Fegley, 42, who is a New Jersey native, worked for the N.C. Coastal Reserve in Beaufort before coming to Craven earlier this year. She has a bachelor's degree in biology from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and a PhD. in ecology and environmental science from the University of Maine.