2024-2025 Program
The Teacher Leadership Institute for Sustainability builds the capacity of TK-12th grade teachers to integrate environmental sustainability, outdoor learning, and student -driven environmental action projects into their core curriculum. Join a countywide network of Teacher Leaders with a shared vision for environmental literacy and sustainability education.
During the program, participants will:
Define environmental issues relevant to students and schools and identify connections to classroom curriculum
Engage as learners in deepening understanding of California’s Environmental Principles and Concepts and environmental sustainability frameworks in the context of TK-12 education
Collaborate with local environmental education partners for support of outdoor learning and stewardship action plans
Engage students in identifying, learning about and taking action on an environmental issue relevant to their classroom community. Participants will share their “green classroom profiles” telling the stories of their action projects at the final Green Classroom Celebration and Recognition Event on April 27th
Explore opportunities for student action projects to contribute to Green Classroom Recognition, Green School Certification and/or other existing district greening efforts
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
TK-12 Educators with a passion for connecting classroom instruction to real-world issues and action - all content areas are welcome! See Green Classroom Profiles from past participants here.
Environmental Education Partners with programs and/or service learning opportunities related to environmental sustainability, especially watersheds, ocean and climate change
APPLICATIONS: 2024-25 applications are open. APPLY HERE by 9/27/24. Space is allocated to ensure participation across districts and grade bands.
DATES AND TIMES:
NOTE: The program includes in-person sessions, synchronous virtual sessions, and asynchronous independent work.
Opening Retreat Day 1: Sunday October 13, 2024 (in person) 9:00am - 2:00pm Kick-off at the beautiful oceanside Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Opening Retreat Day 2: Sunday October 20, 2024 (in person) 9:00am-2:00pm Collaboration and Community Resource Fair at Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Virtual Afterschool Sessions: Tuesdays 3:45 pm - 5:15 pm (on zoom)
10/22/24 - Focus on integration of environmental sustainability within content area of focus
11/12/24 - Focus on community resources and outdoor learning opportunities
12/3/24 - Focus on capturing impacts
Saturday January 25, 2025 (in person) Collaboration Work Party 9:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday, March 8, 2025 (Optional) STEAM Expo Showcase of Action Projects in Progress
Sunday April 27, 2025 Green Classroom Share Fair and Celebration (in person) 9:00am-2:00pm at Seymour Marine Discovery Center
STIPEND PAYMENT AND REIMBURSEMENTS: Classroom teacher participants will receive up to $1200. Stipends will be paid by districts at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Santa Cruz COE will reimburse districts up to $1200 per teacher plus statutory benefits based on attendance and program completion. Santa Cruz COE will track and provide all attendance documentation. No stipends are available for community-based Environmental Educator participants at this time.
Questions? Contact: Amity Sandage asandage@santacruzcoe.org