CONT920: Leading Change Toward Sustainability in Schools

Course Schedule

Course Description

As climate change events continue to rise in frequency and intensity, which is increasingly evident in British Columbia, the need for active participation in transformative sustainability and climate action is even more critical. Education is a key sector that can help us mitigate and adapt to our changing climate. Educators can be pivotal in leading change to create a healthy, more sustainable world. 

In this course, you will explore the complexities of the climate crisis and the role of educators in sustainability and climate change education. You will reflect on your values, positionality, and perspectives on sustainability. You will have opportunities to appreciate how the First Peoples principles of learning intricately connect to sustainability, examine climate change within the BC curriculum, and explore UNESCO's educational lens of education for sustainable development (ESD). You will develop strategies to engage and empower others to participate in climate action and collectively build a culture of sustainability. You will also focus your leadership skills and strengths to further ESD, create impactful action, and lead change toward sustainability in your school or district.

What You Will Learn and Do

In this course, you’ll have the opportunity to

• explore the role of educators in sustainability and climate change education and how personal values, skills, and strengths contribute to leadership in sustainability
• acquire an in-depth understanding of how sustainability and climate change education are integrated into the BC curriculum and the First Peoples principles of learning
• discuss the critical importance of Indigenous worldviews and Two-Eyed Seeing in addressing climate change issues
• explain how ESD supports learners and educators in building their understanding of the complexities of climate change and identifying pathways for action
• examine local school and school district sustainability and climate action plans in areas of school operations, policies, and practices that impact sustainability
• compile strategies for engaging and empowering youth, staff, and community in sustainability efforts and collectively grow a culture of sustainability in schools
• develop a comprehensive plan for impactful action toward sustainability education in your school or district

Application Requirements

Course Materials

Accommodations

Applicants who require accommodations for a specific learning need (e.g., learning disability) within their AQ/ABQ course, should click here for further information and support.

Have a question? Contact us!

Refund Schedule

If you drop a course:

1. by the midpoint of the course, you will receive 100% of your course fee.
2. after the midpoint, before the end of the course, you will receive 50% of your course fee.

For more about our refund policies, visit our Fees & Refunds page.