Best Practices in Climate Change Education

1st Secondary School of Alonis

Thanks so much to the schools and educators who have already welcomed me into their classes here in Greece. My research is focused on best practices, and this has meant I have had the opportunity to meet some incredible educators, who have prioritized providing their students with the tools they will need to manage a changing climate. 

Observing incredible teachers

Special thanks to schools in Athens, the First Secondary School of Alonis, where Fulbright Alum Ilianna Anagnostakou welcomed me and my Fulbright colleague Julia Puckett into her classes, where students peppered us with questions about life and school in America.

Director Photis Mylonas at work

Also, thanks to the director of the 1st Primary School of Nikaia, and my friend Photis Mylonas, who I met last summer in Skyros, who helped me understand the challenges and opportunities facing schools in Greece.

First Bioclimatic Building in Greece

I had a great introduction to environmental education programs in Thessaloniki, hosted by Geoge Ylfantis, and George Slafkidis, where I had the opportunity to observe them at work the first Environmental Education Center in the country. These Centers spread across Greece, and are resources for teachers of all grades to bring students to learn about climate change, and how they can take action. These are incredibly fun, interactive lessons that have students up, and moving around the room.

Students try to fit on a shrinking "island"

George and George were great facilitators, who said that their goal is not just to impart information to students, but rather to empower them to be leaders, and take action in their world. 

The kids are alright!

3rd JH of Thessaloniki

Thank you to another Fulbright Alum, Vasso Michailidou, an English and music teacher, at the 3rd Junior High School of Thessoloniki who helped me organize two focus groups of students. One group was selected students from her classes, and the other group were involved in the school's Environmental Club. I also enjoyed presenting to several of her classes throughout the day. It was great to be in a classroom again, the students were actively engaged, asking all sorts of really smart questions, like, What about the jobs lost when we transition?  What about nuclear power? Does everyone in America have a gun?

Fulbright Rock Star Vasiliki!

In both of the focus groups students said that they learn about climate change, and actions to help in their communities, their schools, and in their families. From international programs such as Erasmus, and eTwinning, to lessons on energy consumption in their classes, to grassroots community groups organizing for local clean-ups, to parents teaching about recycling and waste management, these kids demonstrated a firm understanding of the challenges in their future. 

Policy Makers - Policy Implementers

The Greek educational system is like a lot of EU countries, with centralized decision makers who make choices on curriculum that are implemented locally by many of the folks I've met so far. This model is different from most places in the U.S., where local school boards have significant leeway in determining curricular priorities. Since the central government has made environmental education, and climate change education a priority, there seem to be many opportunities for teachers and students to be engaged in conversation, and actions around sustainability. 

This centralized model is repeated in governance, with local municipal leaders also being asked to focus on sustainability, and actions related to climate change. This is notable across Greece, where the public recycling infrastructure is everywhere. While the integrity of these programs are not always as they were likely drawn up, the commitment is clear. Climate change is real for Greek policy makers, and folks are committed to creating a sustainable future.

Where is the Math? Polynomials on melting icebergs