Learn from and connect with other classroom educators to explore the lessons we have learned from this year of virtual learning and plan practical steps to ensure that those lessons help us to further integrate sustainability education into classroom content and daily practice, engaging students in learning and in making positive change in their communities.

This educational summit is hosted by the Center for Green Schools and the Green Schools National Network.

See the Schedule-At-A-Glance and the Speaker Details for more information.

Friday, February 12th & Saturday, February 13th | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm EST

** The Summit will be repeated on Friday and Saturday so that ALL educators have access to this exciting content.**

Session One: Pandemic Silver Linings and Solutions for K-12 Education

The current disruptions affecting our educational system will no doubt have long-term impact. Recognizing the challenges and positive ramifications, the assembled panel will offer insight, inspiration, and ideas supporting educators to envision a new, more equitable future where education for sustainability becomes a top priority.

• Brittany Jayroe (Moderator), Program Director, EcoRise
• Adrienne Wiggins, STEM Coach, Empire Elementary School (NV)
• Ed Yoo, Science teacher & Department Chair, Codman Academy Charter Public School (MA)
• Renee Byrum, Head Teacher, Zuni Middle School (NM)

Session Two: Rethinking Equity in the Outdoors

Extending the classroom beyond the school walls has become a hot topic in conversations on how to keep schools open. However, offering rich outdoor learning experiences has more often been offered to students and schools of an advantaged demographic. Not everyone has equitable access to learning in a natural setting. Recognizing the health and academic benefits to ALL students, the panel will talk through strategies that lead to opportunity for all. No matter the cultural identity, zip code or family financial situation, well-designed outdoor learning experiences have a dramatic impact.

• Aimee Arandia Østensen (Moderator), Professional Learning Facilitator in Education for Sustainability, Shelburne Farms
• Heather Hairston, Former educator & EcoRise Board Member
• Isabel Anaya, Teacher, Charles L. Kuentz Jr. Elementary School (TX)
• James Edward Mills, Freelance Journalist

Session Three: Best Practices for Teaching and Learning Outside

The pandemic has highlighted the value (both academic and health related) of teaching and learning outside. This fact, along with the recognition that many educators have not received effective guidance on best practices related to outdoor learning, exemplifies the value of what this panel will share. With first-hand experience and knowledge, these skilled practitioners will offer tools and resources, leading to high-quality outdoor learning.

• Dr. Jay Greenlinger (Moderator), Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Oak Park Unified School District (CA)
• Eleva Potter, Graduate Student in Educational Sustainability, University of Wisconsin
• Julie Burton, Coordinator of Innovation & Farm Lab Dev, Encinitas Union School District (CA)
• Tashanda Giles-Jones, Green Ambassadors Teacher, Environmental Charter Middle School Inglewood (CA)

See the Schedule-At-A-Glance and the Speaker Details for more information.

Need a scholarship to attend? Limited need-based assistance is available. Please write schools@usgbc.org to let us know your circumstances and what assistance you need.