Trailblazers in Whole School Sustainability: Case Studies of Educators in Action Virtual Book Launch

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.