Una Offers Certification Class Through National Fishing In Schools Program

Oct. 22, 2012

Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at media@una.edu, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033

FLORENCE, Ala. - The University of North Alabama College of Education and Human Sciences is offering a Level I Certification Class as part of the National Fishing in Schools Program. The one-day teacher/mentor training class will be held Nov. 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Flowers Hall. Registration is at www.flyfishinginschools.org. The National Fishing in Schools Program is currently deployed in more than a dozen states. NFSP's current "Cast a Fly, Catch A Student" curriculum, approved by the State Boards of Education, enables middle school and high school students to earn education credits while learning to fly fish, tie knots and explore aquatic entomology. Students also learn about the importance of water quality and habitat conservation. The NFSP curriculum and activities correlate to National Academic Standards in Physical Education, Technology, Science and Language Arts. "Alabama's most innovative teachers have recognized the value of outdoor educational programs for their students, and UNA is committed to providing them with latest curriculums to foster success in the classroom," said Dr. Thomas Coates, chair of the UNA Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. "In addition to hosting this class, we plan to implement the 'Fishing in Schools' into our core requirements as a complement to our efforts to convey the skills necessary to enjoy and conserve natural water resources through in-school programs." The NFSP hopes to reach 500 schools across the nation and teach 225,000 youth by 2015, with support and funding from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a growing list of state fish and wildlife agencies, private companies and individual donors. For more information on the NFSP, visit www.flyfishinginschools.org.