2012 Sustainability Institute
for PK12 Educators

Sustainability and What it Means for PK-12 Educators

The assurance of a productive, safe, viable future is marked by the interconnectedness of the human and environmental systems. At this Institute we will define sustainability in an educational context, present examples of PK-12 schools and resources for sustainability, and provide working sessions for educators to plan for how they can bring sustainability into their classrooms and institutions.

The Need for Sustainability Education

Below is a video discussing why sustainability education is needed in our schools today. It was produced by Growing Greener Schools and published by PBS Video.

The 3-day institute (with an optional preconference for those new to sustainability) is hosted by the:

• Webster University, School of Education
• EarthWays Center of the Missouri Botanical Garden
• Saint Louis Zoo, Education Division
• U. S. Green Building Council--Missouri Gateway Chapter
  

Our ultimate goal is to give educators the tools to cultivate a new generation of young people with the awareness, responsibility, and ability to take action for a beautiful, prosperous future.

Schedule of Events

Monday, June 25

(Optional Preconference) For those new to sustainability, join us for exciting speakers, workshops with curricular ideas, and information sessions that will establish a foundation for understanding Education for Sustainability PK12

Tuesday, June 26

Keynote speaker, Sarah Ippel, founder of Chicago’s Academy for Global Citizenship will share insights and stories about establishing a sustainable school. Speakers and work sessions will help process new strategies for building the culture of sustainability in your school or community.

Wednesday, June 27

Work sessions for designing plans and overcoming roadblocks will help educators forecast their first actions.

Thursday, June 28

Hands-on projects and a culminating Resource Fair will close the Institute.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand and prepare to practice the principles of sustainability in PK-12 schools
• Recognize local resources that can support curriculum and changes for sustainability
• Collaborate with others to achieve goals and partnerships in sustainability
• Create a community of advocates for sustainable schools

Questions?

The event will take place at Webster University, East Academic Bldg 8 am–4 pm. For more information, contact Lori Diefenbacher by phone at 314-246-8054 or by email at diefenlo@webster.edu.

Sponsored by: