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 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:
Collaborate with inspiring teachers who are connecting classroom curriculum to environmental issues relevant to students and schools
Get support from local environmental education partners for outdoor learning and stewardship opportunities
Deepen understanding of environmental sustainability frameworks and take away new curriculum resources for environmental literacy
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
TK-12 Educators with a passion for connecting classroom instruction to real-world solutions - ALL CONTENT AREAS ARE WELCOME! See past participant's Green Classroom Profiles here.
Environmental Education Partners with programs and/or service learning opportunities related to environmental sustainability
APPLICATIONS: 2025 Summer Institute applications are open. APPLY HERE by June 30. Space is limited.
DATES AND TIMES:
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 & 30 9:00am - 3:30pm @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center includes:
Outdoor Learning
Environmental Action Toolkits
Nature Journaling
Collaboration with Colleagues
FOLLOW UP SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR: Optional sessions to be scheduled during the Summer Institute, including options for:
After school virtual support
In person collaboration work party
School team support at your site
$500 STIPEND: Classroom teacher participants will receive $500 based on full attendance July 29-30. Stipends will be paid by districts at the start of the 2025-26 school year. Santa Cruz COE will reimburse districts up to $500 per teacher plus statutory benefits based on attendance. 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