The Interpretive Development Program
Professional Standards for Learning and Performance
Training Opportunities
Interpretation and Education
Classroom Training:
Digital Media for Interpreters – Pilot Course – August 2-5, 2011 – virtual classroom distance
learning – see listing in DOI Learn for registration information and course description – no tuition
– no travel.
Servicewide interpretation courses coming this fall:
IDP Peer Review Certifiers Workshop -- Sept 12-15 at Mather (paid travel -- official
announcement coming soon – registration will be through DOI Learn)
Earth to Sky Workshop -- Sept 26-30 at NCTC (possible travel grants available -- contact
John Morris – registration in DOI Learn) http://earthtosky.org/
Interpretation of Archeological and Cultural Heritage Resources -- Oct 23-28 at the Presidio
(contact John Jameson) http://www.nps.gov/history/seac/course-of-study/presidio2011/
Registered Local Coaches Courses (offered by the Regional Lead Coaching teams to train
park-level interpretive coaches – contact the office of your regional Chief of Interpretation for
upcoming dates and registration information).
On-line courses developed by NPS interpreters in partnership with Eppley Institute for
Parks and Public Lands:
Foundations of Interpretation – on-line self-study course – this is the core course in
interpretation for all NPS interpreters, including permanent and seasonal rangers, partners,
volunteers, and interns. The content of the course is an update and revision of the original core
interpretive theory formerly known as Module 101 – Fulfilling the NPS Mission. This course is
free and available to anyone from any computer on the new e-course website developed in
partnership with the Eppley Institute for Public Lands -- www.interptraining.org
Informal Visitor Contacts – on-line self-study course – a helpful course for all those with visitor
services responsibilities – available at www.interptraining.org (discounts available to NPS
employees – check with your Regional Chief’s Office regarding a discount code for your region)
Interpretive Talks – on-line self-study course – provides instruction and activities – available at
www.interptraining.org (discounts available to NPS employees – check with your Regional
Chief’s Office regarding a discount code for your region)
Training and Coaching Interpreters – on-line self-study course – provides instruction and
activities – available at www.interptraining.org (discounts available to NPS employees – check
with your Regional Chief’s Office regarding a discount code for your region)
Interpretive Writing– on-line self-study course – provides instruction and activities – available
at www.interptraining.org (discounts available to NPS employees – check with your Regional
Chief’s Office regarding a discount code for your region)
Conducted Activities on-line self-study course – provides instruction and activities – available
at www.interptraining.org (discounts available to NPS employees – check with your Regional
Chief’s Office regarding a discount code for your region)
Other Training/Learning Opportunities
Archeology for Interpreters – a Guide to Knowledge of the Resource -- on-line study
Study Tour of Archeological Interpretation – on-line study
http://www.cr.nps.gov/archeology/studytour/index.htm
The Masters of Science in Resource Interpretation (MSRI) program at Stephen F.
Austin State University Online Lecture Series in Resource Interpretation open to all
interpreters. Registration procedures and the schedule of guest speakers are online at
the MSRI program webpage: www.sfasu.edu/msri.
NPS Fundamentals – http://www.nps.gov/training/uc/home.htm
NOTE: Fundamentals V can be taken as a stand-alone course by supervisors who need
40-hour refresher supervisory training credit.
http://www.nps.gov/training/announcements/index.doc
For additional information contact: Joyce Howe, 304-535-6217
Updated: June 20, 2011 (bl)