October 10, 2024 Newsletter
We hope that you all are staying safe and healthy during a time when so many communities are experiencing challenges and devastating climate impacts (high heat, extreme storms, etc.). This month’s CAELI newsletter is intended to inspire and provide resources for action that can be applied to the classrooms and beyond.
First, we feature Tara Kajtaniak, an educator at Alder Grove Charter School and a university supervisor at Cal-Poly Humboldt’s School of Education. With deep roots in environmental stewardship, Tara shares her journey of weaving climate and environmental literacy into English Language Arts, while also mentoring new teachers on how to engage students in climate-focused learning. Her story reminds us that empowering students begins with empowering educators.
We also introduce the Climate Science Education Toolkit, designed to support educators navigating California’s new climate education mandate (AB 285). This toolkit offers practical guidance, compliance tips, and a treasure trove of resources broken down by grade level. It’s everything you need to make climate literacy an engaging and achievable goal in your school.
🎃What to expect this month:
- Bringing Climate and Environmental Literacy into the Classroom, a Discussion with Tara Kajtaniak
- AB 285 Climate Science Education Resource
- ICYMI: CAELI Resources and Reminders
What Can We Do Right Here, Right Now? Bringing Climate and Environmental Literacy into the Classroom
Tara Kajtaniak brings a wealth of experience to her work, weaving climate and environmental literacy into English Language Arts (ELA). In our latest feature, she offers advice to educators on meeting students where they are and integrating their lived experiences into learning. Tara also discusses her mentorship role in Cal Poly Humboldt’s credential program and shares how CAELI’s support has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of educators working on environmental literacy projects.
AB 285 Climate Science Education Toolkit: Overview and Recommendations for Educational Leaders
Are you unsure about how to get the word out about climate change? Perhaps you’re concerned about the quality of climate literacy in the TK–12 school system? There is some good news—California passed Assembly Bill 285, mandating climate education in science classes for grades 1–12. To help schools navigate this mandate, CAELI COE Innovation Hub members, inspired by the wisdom of Margaret Mead, brought together a small group of dedicated people to make change happen.
The AB285 Climate Science Education Toolkit, complete with compliance guidance, a tool to lead your school, and the Environmental Principles & Concepts, along with a fully vetted list of resources broken down by grade level. We hope this helps you feel supported in addressing climate literacy. Here’s to fostering the next generation of solutionaries!
Download the AB285 Climate Science Toolkit Here!
Innovation Hub Spotlight: Siria Salas
ICYMI: CAELI Resources and Reminders
- Register now for the Green California Schools and Higher Education Summit taking place on November 13 in Pasadena. The agenda for this event includes access to education sessions (over 10 that feature CAELI members!), live keynote, annual leadership awards, and a great expo hall featuring sustainable products and services. The CAELI District Innovation Hub will also be hosting a CAELI-Meet-up at the summit for district, site, and County of Education leaders to connect and learn from stories of school communities taking environmental and climate action. Register here.
- Save the date! On Sunday, October 27, join the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education and environmental and outdoor education professionals from across your region to explore a local site while meeting colleagues working in a variety of settings. The event includes networking activities, snacks, and a tour of the site. Make new connections and learn more about a local program in your region! Learn more here.
- It’s that time of year again—the Green Ribbon Schools Award Program applications for the 2024–2025 year are now available! This prestigious program recognizes schools and districts for their excellence in resource efficiency, health and wellness, and environmental and sustainability education. We encourage all schools and districts to apply and showcase their commitment to a greener future. The application deadline is November 4, so don’t miss this opportunity to gain well-deserved recognition for your hard work and dedication. Apply here.
