Education and how we deliver and consume it is changing rapidly. Who would have thought that tablets and smart phones would find a place as teaching tools in our classrooms? Today’s teachers are frequently overwhelmed in their efforts to keep pace with these changes, in addition to adapting to new standards, working with tight budgets, and keeping their students engaged and excited to learn.
Our students’ success depends on our ability to stay current and meet the challenges presented by 21st century education. The Green Schools National Network (GSNN) firmly believes that environmental and sustainability literacy are key to driving innovation in the classroom and in the education system as a whole. In a recent interview with Yale Environment 360, Charles Saylan, co-founder and executive director of the California-based Ocean Conservation Society, suggested that environmental and sustainability education should engage and directly impact the lives of students. I could not agree more.
When sustainability drives innovation, curriculum teaches skills through topics that focus on the people, places, and events that students are interested in, thus, helping them learn and understand the value of sustainability. As a result, students are empowered to develop healthy relationships; make healthy lifestyle choices; develop the skills needed to be an engaged global citizen; and pursue college and career pathways that advance a sustainable future.
In this month’s newsletter, you will be introduced to GSNN’s new Professional Development Collaborative and learn a little about some of its founding partners. You will also learn more about some of the amazing professional development opportunities that exist, including the National Sustainability Teachers’ Academy at Arizona State University and programming offered by the Children’s buy ambien from us pharmacy Environmental Literacy Foundation. Additional stories cover environmental and sustainability curriculum provided by EcoRise Youth Innovations and Facing the Future, as well as reflections on the essential elements of education for sustainability from Jaimie Cloud. And don’t miss the story on Encinitas Union (California) School District’s efforts to transition from being mere green observers to environmental stewards.
In closing, I want to take a moment to highlight GSNN’s new membership program, an initiative we officially rolled-out during this year’s Green Schools Conference and Expo. GSNN’s membership program is designed for green school leaders who use sustainability to drive innovation in their classrooms, schools, or school districts. There are five membership levels to choose from: individual, non-profit, school, district, and corporate. Each level comes with its own set of benefits and discounts, some of which include:
- Discounted Green Schools Conference registration
- Discounted professional development registration and consulting through GSNN and our PD Partners
- Free access to select webinars
- A one-year subscription to Green Teacher magazine
- A one-year subscription to the new GSNN on-line journal “Green Schools Catalyst”
- Opportunities to highlight your work in GSNN publications
As a member you will receive GSNN’s new quarterly journal, “Green Schools Catalyst,” which is scheduled to roll-out in late summer or early fall 2016. The online publication promises to bring you more in-depth content and resources from the thought leaders in the green schools movement than is possible with GreenNotes. Look for more information to come in future newsletters! In the meantime, I invite to visit our membership webpage and consider becoming a catalyst for change for green schools everywhere!
Happy spring!
Jenny
