December 12, 2024 Newsletter
As winter break approaches and we move into the second half of the CAELI season, we want to take a moment to celebrate the progress and collaboration that continue to advance CAELI’s mission. This season is a time for reflection, inspiration, and setting intentions, and an ideal time to look back at the meaningful conversations, connections, and initiatives that have emerged from our recent activities.
In this newsletter, we share highlights from the Green California Schools and Higher Education Summit conference, insights from our December CAELI quarterly meeting, and a chance to explore the ELA Superheroes podcast—a fantastic resource to explore over the winter break. Whether you’re relaxing, reflecting, or planning, we hope these updates spark new ideas and energize your commitment to environmental literacy in the new year.
Wishing you a restful winter break and a wonderful start to a bright, eco-conscious 2025!
⛄ What to expect this month:
- CAELI’s Fourth Annual District Meet-Up
- December CAELI Quarterly Meeting Recap
- Winter Break Listening: The ELA Superheroes Podcast
- ICYMI: CAELI Resources and Reminders
CAELI’s Fourth Annual District Meet-Up Sparks Learning, Collaboration, and Action
In November, CAELI’s District Innovation Hub met in Pasadena for its fourth annual meet-up at the Green California Schools and Higher Education Summit (GCSHE). This flagship event brought together education leaders from across California to explore sustainability and climate literacy initiatives for campuses, curriculum, community engagement, and school culture.
Organized by District Innovation Hub co-leads Tim Baird and Gloria Harwood, the meet-up included a robust agenda: pre-conference workshops, networking dinners, and collaborative workshops led by CAELI members and partners. The goal was to share best practices, encourage strategic planning, and strengthen ties between districts and community partners, aligning with CAELI’s mission to promote equitable environmental literacy access.
Notably, this year’s meet-up solidified its role as a cornerstone event for advancing sustainability efforts. Tim Baird highlighted, “With increased attendance and a variety of sessions, this year’s District Hub meet-up and GCSHE was the most impactful yet.” Future plans include extending the meet-up to a full day before next year’s summit, inviting even more CAELI members to join in this collaborative work.
December CAELI Quarterly Meeting
On December 4, the CAELI quarterly meeting brought together members, guests, and Ten Strands staff from across the state for a dynamic and collaborative gathering. After time dedicated to networking and community building, attendees shared updates on statewide initiatives related to CAELI, such as Outdoor Learning Initiatives, the Sustainable and Climate Ready Schools Coalition, Seeds to Solutions, the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education, and more. The Knowledge and Skill Building portion of the meeting focused on national, state, and local considerations for change. CAELI leadership also shared the results of the 2024–2025 CAELI Demographics Survey.
Participants engaged in meaningful conversations, exchanging experiences and strategies to strengthen environmental literacy efforts across districts. With a strong sense of community and shared purpose, members left the meeting with renewed commitment and actionable insights to drive environmental literacy initiatives forward. To participate in the next CAELI quarterly meeting, learn more about how to get involved here!
Winter Break Listening: The ELA Superheroes Podcast!
The upcoming winter break is the perfect time to dive into the ELA Superheroes podcast! This four-part series is a must-listen for educators looking to seamlessly integrate environmental literacy into their English Language Arts (ELA) instruction. Whether you’re a dedicated ELA teacher or just curious about new teaching approaches, these episodes offer real classroom stories, creative strategies, and practical tools to bring environmental learning into your curriculum.
Each episode includes teaching snapshots—clear, actionable blueprints designed to help you incorporate environmental literacy in a way that fits your classroom needs. With multiple solutions and approaches, you’ll find inspiration and ready-to-use resources that make integrating environmental concepts into ELA engaging and accessible for all students.
Take a break, tune in, and explore new strategies to enhance your teaching. Happy listening!
ipate in the next CAELI quarterly meeting, learn more about how to get involved here!
Innovation Hub Spotlight: Vicki Moore
ICYMI: CAELI Resources and Reminders
- Our friends at Roots of Success (RoS) are hiring for a program manager who will assist the executive director with all matters related to past, current, and future programs and program partners. RoS is an organization dedicated to empowering youth and adults through job training and environmental education programs that transform lives. Apply here by December 20.
- CAELI’s Community-Based Partner Innovation Hub, in collaboration with the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education, invites program leaders of organizations advancing environmental literacy to a dynamic webinar series. This series offers insights, practical tips, and growth strategies designed to help environmental education providers enhance their impact and thrive in California’s evolving educational landscape. The January 8, 2025 webinar covers Funding Pathways for schools and districts, while the February 5, 2025 webinar focuses on Equitable Hiring and Retention Practices. Register here!
- Now in its fourth year and growing, the CAELI County Office of Education Community of Practice brings together staff from a variety of roles in COEs across the state. Every month they meet for networking, professional learning, and focused discussions on self-selected topics. February 27, 2025 is focused on Expanded Learning. Register here!
- Understanding the Earth as a system can help learners of all ages explain how and why our climate and ecosystems are changing and the many ways we can take action in response to these changes. Join the California Association of Science Educators for an interactive virtual workshop about a local phenomenon where participants will be immersed in a data-driven sequence of learning that includes modeling practices using the Understanding Global Change Earth System Modeling Tools. Register here for virtual session dates. Grades K–5: Wednesday, January 15, grades 6–8: Wednesday, February 12, grades 9–12: Wednesday, March 19.
