Interpretive Development Program

Interpretation and Education

Get the Tools to Teach ACE

Come join the core of ACE Trainers and help spread the Foundations of Interpretation

Take the Wheel for a Spin

The Interpretive Wheel can help you build and analyze your interpretive experiences

For Educators, By Educators Webinar Series

Register Today!

New Interpretation Learning Activities!

Catch up on some of the latest skills right in the CLP

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What we do

I&E professionals help the public benefit from the rich natural and cultural heritage of the parks by synthesizing complex stories and science in educational exhibits, materials and programs. As your national training team for interpretation and education, we organize training events, showcase learning tools, and connect you to colleagues and experts.

News & Events

FREE and Easy Ways to Brush Up Your Interpretive Game
Looking to build your interpretive skills? There's no need to... Keep Reading
ACE in your Digital World (ACE #Diginterp)
Find a series of quick reference guides to help you... Keep Reading
Your Key to ACE Training Support
Interested in attending an ACE Train-the-Trainer sessions at Mather Training... Keep Reading

See All News & Events

Meet The Team

April Antonellis

John Rudy

Preparing Interpreters and Educators for our Second Century

The Interpretive Development Program (IDP) has been a catalyst and facilitator for defining and training professional standards for interpretation and education since 1996. The IDP brings together the voices of field interpreters and stakeholders from across the Service to participate in this on-going work.

We’ve responded to this time of growth and change by updating Module 101, which was first described over 20 years ago. Incorporating needs and skills for the 21st Century, the new competencies were written, rewritten, and edited over the past couple of years by work groups of your colleagues. Revised and updated regularly, we hope you will be an active contributor to the next process.

Check out the newly revised competencies, released for 2018!