Teaching for Sustainability... An Overwhelming Concept?

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A Stream of Consciousness

Sustainability seems, to me, to be a lens of the utmost importance through which teaching should take place. Yet, I also feel like it has become a buzzword. If viewed as such, sustainability is devalued. I have seen the word thrown about without much thought, particularly when companies make efforts to move in the direction of being "greener."

Though the implementation of a recycling program should be commended and the efforts to reduce the amount of paper use should be applauded, for example, these do not inherently mean that the students are engaging in learning for sustainability. They are learning valuable lessons, but disconnected from the concepts of the interconnection of their actions to the world, the sustainable nature of these lessons are lost in the practical application. 

I've heard a number of educators concerned about how to integrate sustainability within their teaching. It seems almost like a daunting task to integrate sustainability within pedagogy. So, does having a composting program in a school mean that students are learning about sustainability? Not quite, but it's a way in: a door.

This blog aims to be just that: a resource to allow you to open your classroom door. I will present ideas and set forth examples related to teaching sustainability by introducing Nature into the classroom that will, hopefully, enable teaching it seem more tangible.

I hope exploring this resource will be an informative and inspiring experience for you! 

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