Education for Sustainability

On my way to the AEOE conference last weekend, I was amazed to drive deep into the Petaluma hills. Who knew this region north of San Francisco was so vast? It was more than 20 minutes of driving beyond cell reception - those rolling green hills, studded with wild flowers and spotted cows welcomed me into a weekend of wonder and learning amongst other educators off the grid at the Walker Creek Ranch Outdoor Learning Center. This site is a destination for many schools to have their outdoor education sleep-aways. While staying in the “Teacher’s Lodge” I got a taste and feel of what our students and teachers experience this time of year when they head out for outdoor ed. 

With our Tree House program and proximity to our own beautiful scenery here in land’s end, I was excited to learn how other educators weave the natural world into their…

The 2nd annual Climate Literacy Exchange was a day-long meeting of Bay Area educators, community partners, and high school youth activists who showcased their projects and shared resources to tackle climate change. I was invited by Eric Havel, Director of Berkeley’s Community Resources for Science program (CRS) and Vita Wells, Director of the Culture of Repair project.  I learned about it by volunteering with community repair weekend events in Berkeley.  The event was co-sponsored by CRS and community partners StopWaste and the California Environmental Literacy Initiative.

 This event impacted 15 school districts, collectively serving 400,000 students in 7 Bay Area counties. There were over 300 attendees who showcased their climate change educational resources and environmental justice action projects. 

  My favorite workshop focused on teaching ocean literacy to elementary and middle school students. The presenter was from the NOAA as a science educator for several marine sanctuaries including the…

Attending the Black Teacher Leadership and Sustainability Institute (BTLSI) online workshop was an eye-opening and empowering experience. As a Black educator, I felt a renewed sense of commitment and agency in my work. The institute provided a safe and supportive space where I could reflect on both personal and professional challenges I face in my role. I gained valuable insights into frameworks that promote equity-centered teaching and leadership while learning how to navigate the unique obstacles that Black teachers encounter. The experience reminded me of the history of racial oppression in America’s education system and highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence and wellness. Most importantly, the opportunity to build community with other Black educators from San Francisco, the Bay Area and across the country. We had ample time for breakout groups and connecting with others was incredibly affirming and inspiring.

Early this November, the week of the election, I flew to Pittsburgh for the Environmental Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Conference. I was not sure what kind of scene I would find amidst the conference with the results of the election so recent. Would it be a gathering and collective mourning around a shifting administration that promises to shift standards around environmental protection? Would doom and gloom rule the mood in this group of educators as they faced the future? 

I took my red eye flight over the United States, periodically peering at the dim lights on the land below. Wondering, wishing, reflecting on this great collection of cities. Fierce turbulence shook the plane and I felt the fragility of our human made vessel trusting its course across the winds. Winds of change indeed as the country slept in a spectrum of fitful (some joyful, some angsty) dreams. How could…