January 16, 2025 Newsletter
As we step into 2025, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of our CAELI community, especially in the face of challenges like the devastating wildfires currently impacting Los Angeles. Our hearts go out to those affected, including CAELI members, their families, and school communities. The loss of schools, the disruption to learning, and the emotional toll weigh heavily on us all. In this issue, we share resources to help schools navigate wildfire-related challenges, from trauma-informed practices to air quality guidelines, as well as support for building resilience in the months ahead.
Despite these hardships, the CAELI community continues to inspire with its commitment to environmental literacy and equity. This month, CAELI project director Andra Yeghoian reflects on the progress made during the first half of the school year, we celebrate Monique Streit as the 2024 Northern CA Environmental Educator of the Year, and we look ahead to exciting opportunities like our new webinar series and upcoming Community-Based Partner and County Office of Education gatherings. Together, we are advancing a shared vision for sustainable, inclusive, and transformative education in California’s TK–12 schools.
What to expect this month:
- Mid-Year Reflections from CAELI project director Andra Yeghoian
- Wildfire Resources
- Green Career Initiative’s First Webinar
- Monique Streit Named Environmental Educator of the Year
- ICYMI: CAELI Resources and Reminders
Celebrating Progress and Looking Ahead to 2025 in Environmental Literacy
As we begin a new calendar year, we celebrate a momentous milestone: 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the Blueprint for Environmental Literacy, which has shaped CAELI’s vision and actions. This year also places us halfway through the United Nations’ Decade of Action on the Sustainable Development Goals and just twenty-five years away from the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Despite the magnitude of these goals, the CAELI network continues to inspire action through in-person gatherings, virtual communities, and impactful initiatives like the AB 285 Climate Science Education Toolkit and the expansion of the CAELI Partner Portal.
Looking ahead, the second half of the 2024–25 season promises even more opportunities to advance environmental literacy. Highlights include new ELA Superhero podcasts, a spring webinar series, and the launch of a Green Career Webinar series, all designed to build capacity, strengthen connections, and inspire action across California’s TK–12 schools. Together, we celebrate our progress and look forward to the collective journey ahead.
Wildfire Resources for Schools and Communities
As the wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles, many families, educators, and communities are facing unprecedented challenges. We are holding all impacted CAELI members and their loved ones in our thoughts. To support those impacted, Ten Strands has compiled an email with a collection of resources to support schools in addressing wildfire risks and their associated challenges. This includes guidance on trauma-informed practices, school closure decision-making, air quality standards, and much more.
We invite you to read the full email for helpful tools and resources to support schools and communities during this difficult time.
Attend the Green Career Initiative’s First Webinar!
The CAELI Green Career Initiative is hosting a series of webinars focused on showing the multiple entry points to green career awareness and skill building through K–12 into higher education/careers in formal and informal education.
This February 5, 2025 from 4 to 5:30pm, their first webinar will be focused on career pathways within the Energy, Environment, and Utilities sector. This webinar will include short presentations from speakers addressing their pathways, market needs, and opportunities.
CAELI IH Co-Lead Named Northern EE’er of the Year!
We are thrilled to celebrate Monique Streit, education director at the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) and Community-Based Partner Innovation Hub co-lead, as the AEOE’s 2024 Northern California Environmental Educator of the Year! Monique’s visionary leadership has revitalized SYRCL’s education programs, expanded access to environmental learning, and championed equity and inclusion in outdoor education. Her work has inspired thousands of students, educators, and community members while fostering the next generation of environmental stewards. Congrats, Monique!
ICYMI: CAELI Resources and Reminders
- 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 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!
- Sonoma County Conservation Council Environmental Council Award – 2024: This year marks the 40th anniversary of recognizing local environmental leaders. Click here to see the Environmental Awards of 2024.
