January Catalyst Leaders Meeting
2025-01-15 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
We are delighted to extend an invitation to our forthcoming Catalyst Leaders Meeting scheduled for January 15th.
Join us for a Catalyst Leaders Meeting dedicated to celebrating and honoring the incredible accomplishments of the GSNN partners throughout 2024. We will also reflect on the milestones we’ve achieved together and the impact we’ve made in our shared mission. As we look ahead to 2025, let’s identify key goals and strategies, foster collaboration, and align our efforts for even greater success in the coming year.

December Community of Practice - Teacher Edition
2024-12-04 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
CoP Discussion Topic Coming Soon!

Leadership Academy at Boise School District
2024-11-14 - 2024-11-15
The Boise School District team exemplifies both shared and visionary leadership. Through strategic planning and priority setting, BSD is modeling for others around the state of Idaho and beyond the value and impact of sustainability integration. With Green Team Leads at every school and work site, students and adults are engaged in powerful initiatives that are making a difference. Come learn, share, and engage with this dynamic team as they offer insights into how “leadership” is at the heart of their most vital work.
Key participant takeaways from Leadership Academy:

Explicit examples of the impact of shared and visionary leadership
Frameworks and design for Green Team Leads to be successful
Integration of a comprehensive Sustainability Strategic Action Plan

Click Here to Register

October Community of Practice Meeting
2024-10-30 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
Join us and our expert Jenny Seydel as we explore different approaches to building and fostering strong, sustainable communities within our schools and districts and across our Green Schools National Network.

Site Summit at Empire Elementary
2024-09-26 08:00 - 2024-09-27 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Elevating STEM with Sustainability; Empowering Students and Building Agency
Join us at Empire Elementary School, in Carson City, NV for a two day event on September 26th and 27th, 2024. This event promises to provide powerful insights into systems, structures, and partnerships which lead to successful sustainability education. Empire Elementary serves a diverse group of students and has proven success in empowering their students through specialized programs that develop sustainability leaders and increased environmental literacy. Come take part in an immersive and innovative environment that weaves together STEM and sustainability as the guiding lens for learning. Experience how to align and leverage community partnerships and streamline efforts to achieve your sustainability goals. We hope you will save the date and we can’t wait to have you with us!

Discover how integrating sustainability can boost STEM learning.
Learn about the impact of aligned partnerships to elevate sustainability education.
Understand how having the right systems and structures in place allows sustainability to be a guiding lens for learning.

Download Agenda
Admission:
GSNN Members: $0.00 (up to 4 members) | Non Members: $200.00
Click Here to Register

September Catalyst Leaders Meeting
2024-09-12 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
We invite you to our upcoming Catalyst Leaders Meeting, where you’ll gain invaluable insights into the Federal Green Ribbon Award program! Don’t miss this opportunity to propel your school towards becoming a Green Ribbon School and identify your strengths within the three program pillars: Environmental Impact, Healthy School Environments and Sustainability Education.
Register today and be the catalyst for change!

August Community of Practice Meeting - 4PBL
2024-08-28 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
Join us for part two of our three-part Community of Practice Expert Series on August 28th, at 3 PM, spotlighting the innovative insights of Jenny Seydel, our esteemed Executive Director. Part two of this three-part series will continue to dive into the exploration of educational strategies, focusing on the transformative power of 4PBL (Phenomena-, Place-, Project-, and Problem-Based Learning). Participants will engage in expert-led discussions with opportunities for further inquiry in how to effectively assess learning throughout the 4PBL process. These conversations will continue to focus on how to integrate real-world issues into classroom learning to create impactful and sustainable educational experiences.
As we navigate through these sessions, the focus will be on cultivating solution-based thinking among educators and students alike, encouraging the development of practical solutions to complex challenges

Educator Academy: Rigorous, Relevant, and Rooted in Place
2024-06-26 13:00 - 2024-06-28 13:00 (America/New_York) | Common Ground High School, Urban Farm and Environmental Education Center, 358 Springside Ave, New Haven, CT, 06515, United States
Join us at Common Ground High School, Urban Farm, and Environmental Education Center in New Haven, Connecticut, for GSNN’s Educator Academy. Immerse yourself in rigorous, purposeful learning that is standards-driven, place-based, and building leaders for a more just and sustainable environment. This year’s academy will mobilize the 4PBL framework as an instructional tool for planning Phenomena, Place, Problem, and Project-Based Learning.
Using Common Ground’s exemplary work around composting, urban agriculture, and food and environmental justice as a case study, participants will delve into a collaborative design process that will create model projects that participants can put into action in their home schools. School teams and individual educators are welcomed. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Common Ground’s unique place and model for transformative learning.
Download Event Brochure
Participant Resources
Hotel Information
Courtyard by Marriott New Haven at Yale
30 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 777-6221
Book your group rate for Common Ground Educator Academy
Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
500 Sargent Dr, New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 780-7800
Book your group rate for Common Ground Educator Academy
Admission:
GSNN Members: $0.00 | Non Members: $300.00
Click Here to Register

May Community of Practice Meeting
2024-05-22 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
Join us for an inspiring journey as GSNN launches its dynamic Community of Practice series, initially spotlighting the innovative insights of Jenny Seydel, our esteemed Executive Director. This three-part series will evolve interactively over the next three months, with each session uniquely shaped by the needs, requests, and emerging topics identified by participants from the preceding meeting. This series promises a responsive and participant-driven exploration of educational strategies, focusing on the transformative power of P4BL (Phenomena-, Place-, Project-, and Problem-Based Learning). Participants will engage in expert-led discussions and collaborative workshops, learning to integrate real-world issues into classroom learning to create impactful and sustainable educational experiences. As we navigate through these sessions, the focus will be on cultivating solutionary thinking among educators and students alike, encouraging the development of practical solutions to complex challenges.
CoP Discussion Topic Coming Soon!
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March Catalyst Leaders Meeting
2024-03-18 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
We are delighted to extend an invitation to our forthcoming Catalyst Leaders Meeting scheduled for March 18th at 2 PM EST. Kindly mark this date in your calendar, as your presence at this event is highly anticipated.
Stay tuned for details!

Family & Friends Event 2024
2024-03-05 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Denver) | Sunset Terrance, 112 W San Francisco St Suite 310, Santa Fe, NM, 87501, United States
The 2024 Green Schools Conference will convene in Santa Fe!
Our Family and Friends event is happening on March 5, 2024 between 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Sunset Terrace (112 W San Francisco St Suite 310, Santa Fe, NM 87501)
Click to Register
Sponsors

The Green Schools Conference heads to Santa Fe in 2024
2024-03-05 - 2024-03-07 | LEED Gold Santa Fe Community Convention, 201 W Marcy St, Santa Fe, NM, 87501, United States
The 2024 Green Schools Conference will convene in the LEED Gold City of Santa Fe
The Center for Green Schools and Green Schools National Network are pleased to announce that the 2024 Green Schools Conference (GSC) will take place in the historic and LEED Gold City of Santa Fe, New Mexico this spring March 5-7, 2024.
The GSC is a unique event designed to unite the green schools community across industries and sectors, including educators, school staff and administrative leaders at the school district and system levels; design and construction professionals; and advocates for green schools including parents and retired volunteers, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. The 2024 event will include three-days of programming curated to allow attendees to exhibit thought leadership through summits, receive action-oriented training through workshops, and opportunities to establish connections across disciplines, within their specific peer groups and with resource providers.
Education sessions will be presented at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, a LEED Gold facility. The 2024 GSC will kick off on March 5 with half-day workshops and half-day summits. The conference experience will continue on March 6 with an inspirational opening keynote presentation, interdisciplinary content and education sessions, opportunities to participate in a speed greening exercise with green school resource providers, and the Best of Green Schools Award Ceremony & Reception. The conference will conclude on March 7 with interdisciplinary content presented in education sessions and a memorable closing keynote presentation to motivate attendees to continue advancing the progress of the green schools movement.
New this year! Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in morning yoga, wellness challenges, and opening circles designed for more intimate conversations within peer groups.
The City of Santa Fe earned LEED Gold certification in May 2020 under the newest, more stringent iteration of the LEED rating system: v4.1. Santa Fe was rated on its performance in key sustainability metrics applying to everything within the city limits, including City operations, resilience planning activities and more.
Click to Register

February Community of Practice Meeting
2024-02-12 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
Join us on February 12th from 2 PM to 3 PM EST via Zoom for an interactive discussion where you’ll have the opportunity to select the topic that resonates most with you. Whether your passion lies in sustainable curricular initiatives or the journey toward achieving zero waste, our CoP sessions offer invaluable insights and collaboration. Don’t miss this chance to connect with like-minded professionals and contribute to positive change in education.
CoP Discussion Topic Coming Soon!

January Community of Practice Meeting
2024-01-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
Join us on January 17th from 2 PM to 3 PM EST via Zoom for an interactive discussion where you’ll have the opportunity to select the topic that resonates most with you. Whether your passion lies in sustainable curricular initiatives or the journey toward achieving zero waste, our CoP sessions offer invaluable insights and collaboration. Don’t miss this chance to connect with like-minded professionals and contribute to positive change in education.
CoP Discussion Topic Coming Soon!

December Community of Practice Meeting
2023-12-18 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
Join us on December 18th from 2 PM to 3 PM EST via Zoom for an interactive discussion where you’ll have the opportunity to select the topic that resonates most with you. Whether your passion lies in sustainable curricular initiatives or the journey toward achieving zero waste, our CoP sessions offer invaluable insights and collaboration. Don’t miss this chance to connect with like-minded professionals and contribute to positive change in education.
CoP Discussion Topic 1: Building Community for Sustainable Curricular Initiatives
In this CoP, we will explore the innovative world of sustainability initiatives in schools and school districts. We’ll discuss the concept of using school campuses as a dynamic educational resource and how to involve students in project-based and problem-based learning. Join us in conversations on strategies to engage all stakeholders, including parents and the wider community, to foster a shared purpose. Together, we’ll share opportunities, address challenges, and exchange valuable insights.
CoP Discussion Topic 2: Becoming Zero Waste: Challenges and Opportunities in Data Collection and Reporting
Our second CoP discussion focuses on the journey towards achieving net zero status in educational institutions. We’ll dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of this pursuit, particularly in data collection and reporting. This endeavor requires assessing our progress and enhancing our sustainable practices in areas like energy, water, and more, involving students, staff, and the community. By sharing experiences and knowledge, we aim to empower you to lead the way in environmental stewardship.
Both of these CoP topics promise to be valuable learning experiences, and we invite you to join the discussions, network with like-minded professionals, and make a real difference in your educational community.

December Catalyst Leaders Meeting
2023-12-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
We are delighted to extend an invitation to our forthcoming Catalyst Leaders Meeting scheduled for December 11th at 2 PM EST. Kindly mark this date in your calendar, as your presence at this event is highly anticipated.
This month, we’re turning the spotlight on innovation, particularly the transformative power of solar panels. Picture this: harnessing the sun’s energy to fuel change and propel us into a sustainable future. 🌞✨
Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ll be delving into: 💡 Solar Sparks: Unleashing the Power of Innovation

Ever marveled at the potential of solar panels? They’re not just energy generators; they’re catalysts for change, illuminating our path towards a greener tomorrow. Join us as we explore how schools and school districts are taking advantage of the revolutionary impact of solar innovation!
As always, your insights and commitment are like rays of sunshine, powering our collective journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future.
Gear up for an engaging dialogue on the brilliance of solar innovation!
Looking forward to sharing solar sparks and innovative insights with you!

Leadership Academy at Boulder Valley School District
2023-12-05 - 2023-12-07 | Boulder, Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States
Join us in Boulder, Colorado from December 5th – 7th for Sustainability Leadership: All together, for all students and the planet.
You will have the opportunity to learn from Boulder Valley School District, the winner of the 2023 Best of Green Schools – School District as district and building leaders share lessons learned from 10+ years of creating healthy learning environments that equip all students and staff with the knowledge and skills to create more equitable and sustainable communities.
This Leadership Academy is designed for Executive Level and Building Level leaders who are interested in learning how to reduce expenses; decrease your carbon footprint; improve the health and well-being of those who work, learn, and play in your schools; and prepare students for college and careers in a future that will require new ways of thinking and learning.
The Seminar will highlight the systems and structures that have been created to achieve the goals set forth in the subsequent 5-year Sustainability Management System. The Academy will explore how a shared vision of a sustainable future can lead to purpose-driven ideas that shift organizational culture, increase operations and management efficiencies, and increase student engagement in their school and community.
Don’t miss out on the exclusive promotional rate at the Courtyard Boulder hotel! Secure your accommodation by clicking here to book your room and take advantage of this special discount. This special promotional rate expires on November 17th.
Download Program PDF
Click Here to Register

November Community of Practice Meeting
2023-11-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
We’re thrilled to introduce two stimulating Community of Practice (CoP) topics that are bound to capture your attention and empower you to create a meaningful impact within your educational community. Join us on November 13th from 2 PM to 3 PM EST via Zoom for an interactive discussion where you’ll have the opportunity to select the topic that resonates most with you. Whether your passion lies in sustainable curricular initiatives or the journey toward achieving zero waste, our CoP sessions offer invaluable insights and collaboration. Don’t miss this chance to connect with like-minded professionals and contribute to positive change in education.
CoP Discussion Topic 1: Building Community for Sustainable Curricular Initiatives
In this CoP, we will explore the innovative world of sustainability initiatives in schools and school districts. We’ll discuss the concept of using school campuses as a dynamic educational resource and how to involve students in project-based and problem-based learning. Join us in conversations on strategies to engage all stakeholders, including parents and the wider community, to foster a shared purpose. Together, we’ll share opportunities, address challenges, and exchange valuable insights.
CoP Discussion Topic 2: Becoming Zero Waste: Challenges and Opportunities in Data Collection and Reporting
Our second CoP discussion focuses on the journey towards achieving net zero status in educational institutions. We’ll dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of this pursuit, particularly in data collection and reporting. This endeavor requires assessing our progress and enhancing our sustainable practices in areas like energy, water, and more, involving students, staff, and the community. By sharing experiences and knowledge, we aim to empower you to lead the way in environmental stewardship.
Both of these CoP topics promise to be valuable learning experiences, and we invite you to join the discussions, network with like-minded professionals, and make a real difference in your educational community.

GSNN’s Fall 2023 Site Summit - Save the Date
2023-10-12 - 2023-10-13
At GSNN, we understand the power of hands-on learning, and that’s why we’ve created the Site Summit – a chance to step away from screens and embrace firsthand experiences. Twice a year, we gather at a Network Partner school or district to showcase best practices in action, and this time, we’re heading to Carson City, Nevada!
Introducing GSNN’s Fall Site Summit: Growing STEM Opportunities by Greening your School
Picture yourself on the grounds of Empire Elementary School, nestled in the heart of Carson City. This vibrant, two-day event on October 12-13, 2023, will immerse you in a world of inspiration, innovation, and practical wisdom. Empire Elementary serves a diverse group of students, 90% of whom qualify for free and reduced lunch. Over the years, Empire has seamlessly woven STEM integration and Sustainability into its curriculum, proving that teaching through a “sustainability lens” is not only achievable but immensely rewarding.
As we prepare to unveil the full details, including registration information, we encourage you to save the date for this one-of-a-kind event. Our collective journey towards sustainability and STEM integration awaits, and we can’t wait to have you with us!
Download Program PDF
Click here to Register

September Catalyst Leaders Meeting
2023-09-18 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
The school’s culture and climate system function as the intangible yet crucial “air in the room,” establishing the framework for leadership, teaching, and learning endeavors. This system acts as the bedrock upon which other components are constructed. We invite you to be part of our Catalyst Leaders Meeting on September 18th at 2:00 PM EST. Seize the chance to gather insights and exchange best practices as numerous network members highlight their exceptional endeavors and deliberate endeavors in becoming champions of culture and climate within our nation.

August Community of Practice Meeting
2023-08-31 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
At GSNN, we firmly believe in the power of collaboration and the profound impact of shared learning. Our first Community of Practice meeting of the 2023-24 school year will focus on a topic that YOU select. The kickoff meeting will be held on August 31st at 2:00 PM EST.
CoP Discussion Topic 1: Building Community for Sustainable Curricular Initiatives
In this CoP, we will explore the innovative world of sustainability initiatives in schools and school districts. We’ll discuss the concept of using school campuses as a dynamic educational resource and how to involve students in project-based and problem-based learning. Join us in conversations on strategies to engage all stakeholders, including parents and the wider community, to foster a shared purpose. Together, we’ll share opportunities, address challenges, and exchange valuable insights.
CoP Discussion Topic 2: Becoming Zero Waste: Challenges and Opportunities in Data Collection and Reporting
Our second CoP discussion focuses on the journey towards achieving net zero status in educational institutions. We’ll dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of this pursuit, particularly in data collection and reporting. This endeavor requires assessing our progress and enhancing our sustainable practices in areas like energy, water, and more, involving students, staff, and the community. By sharing experiences and knowledge, we aim to empower you to lead the way in environmental stewardship.
Both of these CoP topics promise to be valuable learning experiences, and we invite you to join the discussions, network with like-minded professionals, and make a real difference in your educational community.

Green Schools Conference Friends and Family Event
2023-02-27 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | American Italian Cultural Center, 537 South Peters Street, New Orleans, 70130
GSNN’s most awaited start to the Green Schools Conference – Join green schools allies, leaders, and colleagues from across the country for an evening to gather and reconnect during GSC23.
February 27, 2023, 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
American Italian Cultural Center 537 South Peters Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130
RSVP for the event here

Green Schools Conference
2023-02-27 08:00 - 2023-03-01 17:00 (America/New_York) | Sheraton New Orleans, 500 Canal St, New Orleans, LA, 70130, United States
February 27 – March 1, 2023
Sheraton New Orleans
Learn more and register at https://greenschoolsconference.org/

Sip and Learn
2022-06-06 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | VMDO Architects, 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest 10th Floor Terrace, Washington,, DC, 20038, United States
Join us for an evening to learn about us and our debut book “Trailblazers for Whole School Sustainability”.
Colonial Parking operates a garage below the building.
Street parking is also available for 2+ hours using a meter and the ParkMobile app.
The office is walking distance from the Farragut North (red line) and Farragut West (blue, orange, and silver lines).
Complimentary drinks & appetizers. Sponsored by Tito’s.
Any questions, please contact Janelle Darst at jdarst@greenschoolsnationalnetwork.org.
Green Schools National Network (GSNN)’s mission is to shape healthy, equitable, and sustainable schools where children thrive and learn to steward the environments and communities they call home. Since 2007, GSNN has used a holistic approach in its work with schools, districts, organizations, and individual educators to transform schools from good to green. GSNN’s work is informed by its GreenPrint, a framework for transformation that covers best practices in leadership, curriculum and instruction, culture and climate, and facilities and operations. To learn more, visit greenschoolsnationalnetwork.org.
In Trailblazers for Whole School Sustainability, educators and school leaders share stories highlighting best practices and lessons learned in their pursuit of health, equity, and sustainability. The book is organized according to the four impact systems in GSNN’s GreenPrint: Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Culture and Climate, and Facilities and Operations. Each section of the book features four case studies that explore various aspects of these systems, from visionary leadership and culturally relevant teaching to place-based education, sustainable school food systems, and net-positive campuses. Every case study concludes with a “Learning from…” section where readers can find actionable tips, recommendations, and best practices for beginning their journey toward whole-school sustainability.

Trailblazers in Whole School Sustainability: Case Studies of Educators in Action Virtual Book Launch
2022-02-17 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Since 2015, Green Schools National Network (GSNN) has featured stories of educators implementing sustainability best practices on our blog and in our peer-reviewed journal, Green Schools Catalyst Quarterly. We’ve amassed quite a few examples of schools and districts doing the work to bring whole school sustainability to life! So, it should come as no surprise that we finally put pen to paper and captured some of the more compelling stories in book form.
Trailblazers in Whole School Sustainability: Case Studies of Educators in Action is an edited collection of stories from schools and school districts across the country that highlights best practices and lessons learned in their pursuit of health, equity, and sustainability. Some of these stories might look familiar – more than a few were adapted from past Green Schools Catalyst Quarterly articles. Others were penned by GSNN partners exclusively for the book. All demonstrate the amazing work these educators are accomplishing as they transform their school communities for a just and sustainable future. GSNN partners featured in the book include:

Boulder Valley School District
Common Ground High School
Discovery Elementary School
Encinitas Union School District
New Roots Charter School
Oak Park Unified School District
Prairie Crossing Charter School
School of Environmental Studies
Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Trailblazers for Whole School Sustainability is organized according to the four key impact systems in GSNN’s GreenPrint: Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Culture and Climate, and Facilities and Operations. Each section of the book features four case studies that explore various aspects of these systems, from visionary leadership and culturally relevant teaching to place-based education, sustainable school food systems, and net-positive campuses. Every case study concludes with a “Learning from…” section where readers can find actionable tips, recommendations, and best practices for beginning their journey toward whole school sustainability.
We are thrilled that this “labor of love” is now in print and can’t wait to share it with the K-12 community!
You can purchase a copy of Trailblazers for Whole School Sustainability from Routledge or Amazon. If you shop via Amazon, you can support GSNN by making your purchase via AmazonSmile. And be sure to spread the word among your colleagues, peers, and networks! This book deserves a place on every educator’s bookshelf.
A virtual book launch celebration will be held on Thursday, February 17, at 5 p.m. CST. The book launch will include a panel discussion with schools and districts highlighted in the book. To attend sign up online at: https://bit.ly/3H5PDEj. The book is edited by Jennifer Seydel, Cynthia L. Merse, Lisa A. W. Kensler, and David Sobel.

Register Today

The School Campus as a 3-D Textbook for Sustainability Education
2020-10-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
The School Campus as a 3-D Textbook for Sustainability Education
Join us on Tuesday, October 20 at noon EST as Jennifer Seydel, PhD., Green Schools National Network hosts a panel of educators from Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS). VBCPS recognizes that the built environment, and everything that goes in the building, is integral to a student’s development. Schools should be inspirational spaces that illustrate the delicate balance between social, economic, and environmental issues that are critical for our 67,000 students to understand as they navigate tomorrow’s world. The panel will provide an overview of how policy and practice, informed by sustainability, informs a vision that shapes the day to day decision making related to the built environment as well as what and how students learn.

The panel includes:

Aaron Spence, Ed.D., Superintendent
Tim Cole, Sustainability Officer
Kelly Hedrick, Ed.D., Principal of Old Donation School
Chris Freeman, Coordinator, Environmental Studies Program at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center, Chris Freeman

Shaw Contract hosts a two-part webinar series that explores how sustainability influences decisions related to materials choices and manufacturing and the impacts a holistic approach to sustainability can have on students and communities.

Participants will leave with:

An understanding of material chemistry specific to flooring products and how to critically think about materials selected for built environments
Insight on how connected purchasing systems can positively impact a supply chain and occupants of a space
Action steps for making smarter choices, and ultimately smarter impacts for existing and future built environments
A vision for how whole school sustainability in K-12 educational environments can influence everything from leadership to student outcomes

Register

“A Call to Action for Educational Leaders” Webinar Series
2020-09-16 - 2020-12-09
“A Call to Action for Educational Leaders” is a free, five-part webinar series designed by and for California education leaders. Based on our “Call to Action” tool, each session will illustrate how to support teachers in delivering culturally-responsive, multi-disciplinary, standards-based curriculum during the pandemic crisis and beyond.

This new webinar series will give practical advice & effective strategies for education leaders to implement environmental literacy initiatives in their counties, districts, or schools.
Students throughout California are concerned about the future. They want to learn about the climate crisis, and be part of the solution. Education leaders must answer this call with environmental literacy—an approach to engage students in understanding and protecting the natural world around them.
That’s why we and our friends at the California Environmental Literacy Initiative are launching a NEW webinar series, “A Call to Action for Educational Leaders.” This five-part series was designed by and for California education leaders, to help you learn strategies for integrating environmental literacy across school systems.
Tune into these sessions for tools, resources, facilitated discussions, networking, and more, on a variety of topics. Reserve your spot today for the following sessions:

Introduction to the Call to Action for Environmental Literacy (September 16, 2020) — Register here!
Social-Emotional Learning in Environmental Literacy (September 30, 2020) — Register here!
Environmental Literacy for MTSS, LCAPs and Continuous Improvement (October 21, 2020) — Register here!
Community-Based and Business Partnerships to Support Environmental Literacy (November 18, 2020) — Register here!
Environmental Literacy for All Through Curriculum and Instruction (December 9, 2020) — Register here!

Learn More & Register

Virtual PD Workshop: Addressing Environmental Justice for a Sustainable Future
2020-07-15 - 2020-07-17 | GSNN Online
Walk away with the beginning design for a compelling project that you can use when school is back in session

July 15 – 17, 2020 | 12:00 – 4:00pm ET
High School EducatorsFocused Topic: Environmental Justice
This virtual PD workshop for high school teachers explores the implications of environmental pollution on our communities. Over the course of three, four-hour sessions, attendees will use the book, A Terrible Thing to Waste by Harriet Washington, as the anchor for a set of learning experiences that will shed light on how Americans of color are disproportionately harmed by environmental hazards. The workshop will model how to incorporate fieldwork and experts to deepen students’ understanding of toxic exposure and institutional negligence in their own communities, and how this exposure impacts cognitive development. Providing background knowledge, inspiration, and direction, attendees will leave with sound ideas on how to build student agency around a powerful topic.

Register

You’ll learn:

About the movement to improve and maintain a clean and healthful environment, especially for communities of color
How to create a culture of curiosity and inquiry for your students
How to integrate environmental justice into your curriculum

Cost:
Catalyst Members: $25 Non-Members: $75

July 15, 2020 | 12:00 – 4:00 ET July 16, 2020 | 12:00 – 4:00 ET July 17, 2020 | 12:00 – 4:00 ET

Materials Provided:

A Terrible Thing to Waste: Environmental Racism and Its Assault on the American Mind by Harriet A. Washington

Facilitators

Dinah Becton-Consuegra
Director of Partnership Development, PBLWorks
Dinah was born and raised in Chicago, the eldest and only daughter of two immigrant parents from Mexico and Guatemala. It was there that her love of hip hop, food and culture was born. Upon attending high school at the prestigious Illinois Math & Science Academy, her love and loyalty to PBL as a liberatory pedagogy began. Since then she has been about that PBL life. Prior to her role with PBLWorks, Dinah was the west regional director for EL Education. She is a proud former Deeper Learning Equity Fellow and is currently honored to be serving as a Deeper Learning Equity Coach.

Dinah has over 20 years of experience in education and has served in various leadership capacities for districts, schools and nonprofits. Her previous roles have included: a high school teacher/ principal, an executive director of family/community engagement, and a school turnaround consultant. She shares Barack Obama’s alma mater, Occidental College. She holds master’s degrees from Claremont Graduate University in secondary teacher education and principal leadership from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dinah delights in eating and snorkeling her way around the world with her wife and two boys, blogging, urban farming, houseplant propagating, and tackling all things DIY at her home in Oakland, CA.
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David DenHartog
Director of Innovative Learning, Green Schools National Network
David serves as the Director of Innovative Learning at the Green Schools National Network (GSNN), David is dedicated to helping schools and districts leverage education for sustainability as the driver for excellence. Working with pre-K – 12th grade school leaders around the U.S. and world, David and GSNN help to catalyze green, healthy, and sustainable practices predominately utilizing deep learning; service and stewardship; facilities design and management; health and well-being; and transformational leadership. David’s experience as a school principal, classroom teacher, and regional school designer, along with the opportunities he has had to learn from educators around the U.S. and world, fuel his optimistic, passionate dedication to educational transformation. David also co-produces The Other Literacies podcast.
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Virtual PD Workshop: Pollinators All Around Us!
2020-06-24 - 2020-06-26 | GSNN Online
June 24 – 26, 2020 | 12:00 – 4:00pm ET
Elementary School EducatorsFocused Topic: Pollinators
This virtual PD session for elementary school teachers explores the diversity of pollinators that can be found in backyards, schoolyards, and parks. Over the course of three, four-hour sessions, attendees will learn how to translate their students’ observations into burning questions that will help them understand the importance of pollinators in an ecosystem and in our food system. These learning experiences were designed using a rubric for place-, project-, and problem-based learning, can be replicated with elementary students, and support mastery of science, art, math, and ELA standards.
Cost: Free for Catalyst Network members; $50 for non-network participantsRegistration limited to 24 participantsRegistration deadline is June 10 (5:00 p.m. ET)
June 24, 2020 | 12:00 – 4:00 ETJune 25, 2020 | 12:00 – 4:00 ETJune 26, 2020 | 12:00 – 4:00 ET

Register

Virtual PD Workshop: We All Live in a Watershed
2020-06-17 - 2020-06-19 | GSNN Online
June 17 – 19, 2020 |12:00 – 4:00pm ET
Middle School EducatorsFocused Topic: Watersheds
This virtual PD workshop for middle school teachers explores the central role that water plays in all life. Over the course of three, four-hour sessions, attendees will take part in synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences that demonstrate how “We All Live in a Watershed!”, connecting backyards, schoolyards, and communities. These learning experiences were designed using a rubric for place-, project-, and problem-based learning and leverage real-time, online data sources that provide watershed information and resources. Experiences can be replicated with middle school students and support mastery of science, math, and ELA standards.

Cost: Free for Catalyst Network members; $50 for non-network participantsRegistration limited to 24 participantsRegistration deadline is June 10 (5:00 p.m. ET)

June 17, 2020 | 12:00 – 4:00 ETJune 18, 2020 | 12:00 – 4:00 ETJune 19, 2020 | 12:00 – 4:00 ET

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