Green Schools National Network

September 2025 Community of Practice
2025-09-25 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
Building Climate-Literate Schools: From Classroom Practice to Systemwide Impact – Part 2
“How do districts move from commitment to transformation?”

In the second session of our two-part Community of Practice, we’ll dive into the real-world application of the Seal of Climate Literacy as a tool for institutional accountability, instructional innovation, and student-led change.
Through district spotlights, implementation roadmaps, and collaborative dialogue, participants will explore how to:

Align curriculum and professional learning with climate literacy outcomes
Foster authentic student agency in climate action
Build cross-departmental and cross-sector leadership to drive long-term change
Embed climate literacy metrics into school improvement goals and system-wide evaluation
In partnership with Lyra Colorado, we’ll go beyond theory to examine how districts are scaling climate literacy systemically—and what it takes to lead that shift.

Whether or not your state has adopted similar policy, this series will help you apply the spirit of the Seal in your local context, so that every student can thrive in a climate-resilient future.”
Speakers

Mary Seawell, CEO of Lyra Colorado, and districts bringing the Seal of Climate Literacy to life. More info

October 2025 Community of Practice
2025-10-21 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
CTE – Green Energy Careers (Posibly explore cohorts by region)
What if students could graduate ready to lead in the clean energy transition?
This session explores how Career and Technical Education (CTE) can serve as a powerful pathway to prepare students for high-demand jobs in clean energy, sustainability, and climate resilience.
We’ll highlight innovative programs and partnerships that blend hands-on learning with real-world impact equipping students not only with technical skills, but with a sense of purpose and possibility in shaping a more sustainable future.
Speakers

👤 Dan Hinderliter – Associate Director of State Policy at Advance CTE, where he leads work on modernized Career Clusters, the Green in CTE strategy, and technical assistance for high-quality CTE nationwide.
👤 Mason Pashia – Partner (Storytelling) at Getting Smart Collective, shaping the organization’s media on futures thinking, sustainability, and arts education through blogs, podcasts, and publications.
School Partner Spotlight
Vista Grande High School (NM) with Jim Smith + Adel Kosanke on CTE, internships, and their UNM–Taos partnership.

November 2025 Catalyst Leaders Meeting
2025-11-13 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
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.

January 2026 Community of Practice
2026-01-29 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
Digital Sustainability: Small Digital Choices, Real Environmental Impact
Get ready for our January Community of Practice focused on an often overlooked area of school sustainability: our everyday digital practices.
We’ll explore how common digital actions (from emails and cloud storage to video meetings) carry environmental impact, and why intention matters more than perfection when using technology more sustainably.

The Green Schools Conference 2026
2026-02-17 - 2026-02-18 | NM
Making green schools a reality
The 16th annual Green Schools Conference (GSC) will be held February 17-19, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Marina and Spa in San Diego, California.
Each year, the GSC brings together a national community of educators, school leaders, designers and advocates committed to whole-school sustainability. From inspiring sessions and expert panels to meaningful networking opportunities, the GSC is where green school leaders unite to drive progress.
The 2026 event will feature two days of inspiring sessions, expert-led workshops, and dynamic networking opportunities, followed by optional post-conference tours, which offer attendees a chance to explore sustainability in action at local schools and organizations across the San Diego area.
Join education and sustainability leaders from across the country to connect, learn, and advance the movement for healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable schools.
Register Today

Friends & Family Event 2026
2026-02-17 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Seaside Room, Marina Village, 1936 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA, 92109, United States
Join us for an evening of sunset vibes, and coast bites!
You’re invited to GSNN’s annual Friends & Family celebration this year on the beautiful shores of San Diego. Join us for an unforgettable sunset gathering overlooking the marina as we celebrate community, connection, and our shared commitment to building healthier, more sustainable schools. Enjoy coastal bites, refreshing drinks, and the warm glow of golden hour as we mingle with friends, partners, and leaders who make this work possible.
Event Details:

February 17, 2026
6:00–10:00 PM
Seaside Room, Marina Village

Register Today

Site Summit 2026 in San Diego
2026-02-19 | NM
From Vision to Reality: Sustainability in Action – San Diego Site Summit
“Step into the heart of Southern California’s sustainability movement”
This immersive, hands-on experience allows you to explore real-world examples of sustainability in action within schools and communities. Through site visits, interactive sessions, and place-based learning, you will connect with the individuals and locations that are driving transformation. Join us to learn how student-led initiatives and the creation of green spaces enhance educational programming and promote environmental stewardship. Discover how local leaders are implementing the GreenPrint framework through climate-resilient, student-centered practices.
Come ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to lead change in your own community.
Learning Objectives:

I can explore the intersection of regenerative organic farming, wellness, and district-wide environmental education.
I can analyze the operational systems (waste diversion, budgets, and frameworks) that sustain a culture of district-wide sustainability.
I can network with regional leaders to share best practices for implementing

Agenda

8:15 AM: Board Bus for Site Tours

Departure

8:45 AM: Ocean Knoll Elementary

Welcome & Educational Programming
Site tour focusing on green spaces and student-led initiatives.

10:15 AM: Farm Lab

Regenerative Farming & Innovation
Tour the Organic Farm and the DREAMS Satellite Sustainability Campus.

11:30 PM: Farm Lab

Catered Networking Lunch

12:30 PM: El Camino Creek Elementary

Systems & Waste Diversion
Tour physical green systems, waste diversion, and Farm to School programs.

2:00 PM: Farm Lab

EUSD Leadership Presentation
Deep dive into Learner Profiles, budgets, and district culture. Q&A included.
Summit Wrap-Up
Walk & Talk: reflections and closing remarks

3:00 PM: Board Bus for Return

Adjourn

4:00 PM: The High Dive

Optional Social Event or Return to Hotel

Important Notes

Attire: Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers for outdoor site tours.
Sustainability: We encourage participants to bring a reusable water bottle to reduce waste throughout the day.
Materials: Digital copies of the EUSD GreenPrint framework and Learner Profile will be provided via QR code at the event.

March 2026 Catalyst Leaders Meeting
2026-03-04 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
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

April 2026 Community of Practice
2026-04-14 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
Leading with Nature: Biomimicry for Systems Change – Part 1
“What if the natural world could teach us how to lead, innovate, and transform our schools?
This session launches a two-part series exploring biomimicry as a powerful framework for leadership, problem-solving, and whole-school transformation.
Together, we’ll examine how principles inspired by nature can guide us toward more resilient systems, creative solutions, and sustainable school cultures, from classrooms to district leadership.
Join us as we tap into nature’s genius to imagine what’s possible for education.

GreenSpark 2026
2026-04-24 | GSNN Online
GreenSpark- A National Showcase of Student-Led Sustainability Projects – Celebrating Youth Voice, Vision, and Action
GreenSpark is a national live showcase celebrating student voice, creativity, and climate action.
This virtual event brings together classrooms and school communities from across the country to spotlight the sustainability projects students have designed and led from garden initiatives to zero-waste campaigns and energy solutions.
In real-time sessions, students will present their work to a national audience of peers and educators, sharing ideas, outcomes, and the impact they’re making in their schools and communities.
Whether you tune in as a class or an individual, Spark is a space to be inspired by young changemakers and to celebrate what’s possible when students lead the way toward a greener future.

May 2026 Community of Practice
2026-05-05 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
Leading with Nature: Biomimicry for Systems Change – Part 2
In Part 2 of our biomimicry series, we move from inspiration to application.

Building on the foundations of nature-inspired leadership and systems thinking, this session dives deeper into how biomimicry can drive real change in schools from classroom practices to campus operations and culture.
Through real-world examples and interactive dialogue, we’ll explore how educators and leaders are applying biomimicry principles to solve complex challenges, foster innovation, and guide whole-school transformation rooted in sustainability and resilience.
Come ready to imagine, design, and lead with nature as your mentor.

May 2026 Catalyst Leaders Meeting
2026-05-12 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | GSNN Online
Nature as Teacher: Outdoor Learning and Community-Centered Solutions
Discover how nature can inspire deeper learning, healthier environments, and stronger communities.
This session highlights innovative nature-based approaches to teaching, school design, and collaboration showcasing how schools are using the natural world to foster student well-being, environmental literacy, and meaningful community engagement.
Come explore real-world examples and gather ideas to bring nature into the heart of your school’s vision for learning and transformation.
