Schools for the Planet 2023 was held on June 25-27 in Bruininks Hall on the University of Minnesota's East Bank campus. 29 educators and community members participated, each earning 13.5 continuing education units. Stephanie Rollag Yoon, Jana Lo Bello Miller, Abby Hartzell, and Nick Kleese facilitated.
Here's what participants had to say:
"The work of climate literacy education is essential and hopeful. Students can experience feelings of overwhelm and hopelessness with the size of the issues at hand. However, we can be part of the change that allows them to feel a sense of empowerment and agency to be part of positive change. We can teach them the concept of ecocentrism and use the power of stories to move the work forward. The resources and ideas that were shared and the collective excitement for this work built hope for me and will impact my instructional practice and my students for years to come." - Kaiti
"I sincerely appreciated the community that was created through this institution. As a preservice teacher, the last few days gave me so much hope for my future and the future of education. I am grateful for the opportunity to build this community and loved the sharing of resources, walking outside together, sharing our fears and wonderings together as a group." - Nicole
"Experiencing how stories, including picture books, can be used to engage students, facilitate analysis, and stimulate discussion about the climate crisis felt revelatory to me as a college professor. I now see how short, simple, and beautiful narratives hold power to convey meaning, instill values, and inspire action in students of all ages in all disciplines." - Julia
"Teaching about the climate crisis is more relevant than ever. From a social studies lens, there are social consequences and inequties that are becoming more stark. It would be a disservice to our communities if we did not teach about the dangers of climate change and how the living systems on this planet will be negatively impacted." - McKenzie
"Truly some of the best PD I have experienced in my 25+ years of teaching." -Chris
Photos from Schools for the Planet 2024
