Green Schools National Network to celebrate launch of “Trailblazers for Whole School Sustainability – Case Studies of Educators in Action” with virtual book launch on Feb. 17

IOWA CITY, Iowa February 3, 2022 — Green Schools National Network (GSNN), a pioneer in the green schools movement, has collaborated to release the book “Trailblazers for Whole School Sustainability – Case Studies of Educators in Action”. A virtual book launch celebration will be held on Thursday, February 17, at 5 p.m. CST, and will include a panel discussion with schools and districts highlighted in the book. To attend sign up online at: https://bit.ly/3H5PDEj.

In “Trailblazers for Whole School Sustainability,” educators and school leaders, who are on the front lines of re-imagining school through the lens of sustainability, share stories structured around a practical framework that demonstrates how this work allows schools and districts to work smarter, not harder, by integrating sustainability and systems thinking into leadership; curriculum and instruction; culture and climate; and facilities and operations. This book shows what is possible when educators resolve to blaze a trail to re-imagine K-12 education for a just and sustainable future.

Since 2015, GSNN has featured stories of educators implementing sustainability best practices on their blog and peer-reviewed journal, Green Schools Catalyst Quarterly. This is the organization’s first published book

“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.

“More than pandemics and exponential technology, the climate crisis is the defining issue of our time—it will shape the lives and livelihoods of this century. Every school needs a sustainability agenda, for itself and its students. ‘Trailblazers for Whole School Sustainability’ is a clear call to action and a compelling blueprint for every school to develop a healthy, equitable, and sustainable future,” said Tom Vander Ark, CEO, Getting Smart.

The 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.

Purchase a copy of “Trailblazers for Whole School Sustainability” from Routledge or Amazon.