GEF is proud to have been a presenter and exhibitor at the Green Schools National Conference in Denver this week, where we heard U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan outline his support for green schools and sustainability education. Secretary Duncan made it clear that this movement is no longer an option, but a necessity for graduates to succeed in higher education and in the global economy:
“Reducing disease, developing renewable sources of energy, curbing pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are no longer challenges that stop at our borders. America simply cannot meet any of these challenges without collaborating with other countries. And those partnerships will require U.S. students to develop better critical thinking, a deeper understanding of science and sustainability, and a greater awareness of ecosystems and energy efficiency.”
His sentiments were echoed by the 1,500 attendees that included educators, administrators, school board members, facilities managers, and many more. During GEF’s workshop, Teaching Teachers, and during our time at the exhibit booth, we noticed that the broad spectrum of attendees identified GEF’s sustainability education as a solution to finding accessible, affordable education that meets their need for professional development and academic credit. From educating a group of teachers, to an AP science class, to a team of recycling program managers for an entire state, the fact that our comprehensive Sustainability Concepts Certification is available online was a major bonus and key to their support.
The only way for students to learn important concepts that will lead to their success in higher education and the global economy is to be taught by educators well versed in sustainability concepts and sustainability teaching methods. Furthermore, by developing education that is applicable to a broad audience, change can begin now and become an integrated part of every system from curriculum to facilities management. In this way, sustainable behaviors and ambitions become expected and demanded. GEF couldn’t be more proud to be recognized at the conference as a leader in sustainability education, and we are honored by the overwhelming enthusiasm and support for our Sustainability Concepts Certification and other sustainability education offerings. The future is becoming more sustainable every day!
Read Secretary Duncan’s full remarks from the conference here.
Source: http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USED-3160c2
Green Education Foundation (GEF) 