Catalyst Leaders Meeting

Leading Climate-Ready Schools: Leadership in Action "How do we create schools that don’t just withstand climate challenges, but lead the way in building a more resilient future? This session will spotlight bold, district-level efforts to design climate-resilient, low-carbon schools that serve as anchors of sustainability, safety, and innovation in their communities. We’ll explore how cross-sector leadership, from facilities to curriculum to community partners, can align to drive systems-level change and inspire the next generation of climate-ready citizens. Speaker Susan Puri, Director of Community at the International Living Future Institute, who will share how the Living Building Challenge and the Red List can be powerful tools for schools to create healthier, more sustainable learning environments.

Innovators in Sustainability: Learning, Impact, and Recognition What does it look like when sustainability becomes a shared commitment across classrooms, campuses, and communities? Join us as we celebrate the creativity, passion, and progress driving sustainability education across GSNN’s national network and collaborative partners. This session will spotlight place-based, project-driven, and real-world learning rooted in the 4PBL approach, where students tackle authentic problems, explore local phenomena, and design solutions that make a difference in their communities. From student-led initiatives to district-wide shifts, we’ll showcase inspiring stories and innovative practices that demonstrate what’s possible when sustainability becomes central to teaching, learning, and leadership. Come ready to be inspired, uplifted, and connected to a growing movement for greener, healthier, more just schools grounded in the power of place and purpose. Speakers Sabina Malkani, Science Teacher at Bruce-Monroe Elementary (DC), shares how EcoRise resources empower her students as problem-solvers and changemakers. Kristi Hibler-Luton, Chief Partnerships Officer at EcoRise, highlights how their programs equip teachers nationwide to bring sustainability to life.

Post-Conference Power Hour: Insights, Impact, and Next Steps "Let’s keep the momentum going." This session invites past Green Schools Conference attendees and new voices alike to come together, share key takeaways, lessons learned, and meaningful moments from the event. It’s a chance to reconnect, reflect, and build new connections fostering ongoing dialogue and peer support as we work toward more inclusive, healthy, and sustainable schools. Whether you’re continuing the conversation or just joining in, your voice matters. Register Here

What is a Catalyst Leaders Meeting? Where green school leaders connect, learn, and lead. Join a dynamic network of changemakers to explore timely challenges, share success stories, and shape the future of sustainable schools together. Leadership in Action Transforming schools begins with leadership that is intentional, collaborative, and grounded in a shared vision. In this Catalyst Leaders Meeting, GSNN partners will explore how effective leadership creates the conditions for sustainable systems change. Through partner showcases, collaborative discussion, and expert insights, participants will learn how schools and districts are aligning teams, building leadership capacity, and navigating the challenges of organizational change. Rather than focusing on theory alone, this session highlights real implementation stories, lessons learned, and practical strategies that participants can adapt within their own contexts. Catalyst Leaders Meetings are designed exclusively for GSNN partners to foster peer learning, strengthen relationships across the network, and accelerate implementation through shared experience.

What is a Catalyst Leaders Meeting? Where green school leaders connect, learn, and lead. Join a dynamic network of changemakers to explore timely challenges, share success stories, and shape the future of sustainable schools together. Culture & Climate in Action Culture is often the catalyst that determines whether sustainability initiatives flourish or fade. This Catalyst Leaders Meeting brings together GSNN partners to explore how schools and districts are cultivating positive climates, strengthening community engagement, and creating cultures where sustainability becomes part of everyday practice. Participants will hear directly from partner schools implementing innovative approaches to student engagement, staff collaboration, wellness, and organizational culture while engaging in meaningful conversations about common challenges and emerging practices. Through collaborative dialogue and peer learning, participants will leave with practical ideas and renewed inspiration for strengthening culture within their own learning communities.

What is a Catalyst Leaders Meeting? Where green school leaders connect, learn, and lead. Join a dynamic network of changemakers to explore timely challenges, share success stories, and shape the future of sustainable schools together. Operations in Action Sustainable facilities are about far more than buildings, they create healthier learning environments while modeling responsible stewardship for students and communities. During this Catalyst Leaders Meeting, GSNN partners will showcase innovative operational practices related to energy, water, waste, outdoor learning environments, and sustainable facilities management. Participants will exchange implementation strategies, discuss operational challenges, and explore how facilities can become active contributors to teaching, learning, and whole-school sustainability. Together, we'll discover practical approaches that improve operations while advancing student learning and environmental impact.

What is a Catalyst Leaders Meeting? Where green school leaders connect, learn, and lead. Join a dynamic network of changemakers to explore timely challenges, share success stories, and shape the future of sustainable schools together. Celebrating the Journey: Reflection, Connection, and Next Steps Meaningful sustainability education extends beyond isolated lessons—it becomes part of how students experience learning every day. This Catalyst Leaders Meeting brings together GSNN partners to connect, celebrate, and reflect on the ""small wins"" they are excited about from this past school year. Whether your breakthrough happened in innovative instructional practice, community engagement, or facilities infrastructure, this session is a chance to pause, recharge, and support one another. Through inspiring partner showcases and collaborative dialogue, participants will share recent successes, navigate common challenges, and begin discussing the strategic work for the year ahead. Leave with practical ideas, peer insights, and renewed momentum for your learning community.