Our Program
Eco Catalyzers is funded by the National Science Foundation through the Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) program (Award ID: 2302190).
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This year-long initiative is dedicated to cultivating teacher leadership in sustainability education. Teacher-scholars engage in research, reflection, and curriculum innovation, growing their capacity to transform classrooms into hubs of eco-conscious learning, inspire students to become environmental stewards, and lead sustainability education within their schools, districts, and communities.​
Yearly Program Timeline
Three-Tiered Model Diagram
Research
Teacher-scholars begin their Eco Catalyzers journey by engaging in hands-on, community-centered research focused on local environmental challenges in water, waste, and energy. Their summer research experiences ground their eco-education leadership in real-world innovation and discovery
Engage
Throughout the program, teacher-scholars participate in a vibrant community of practice, exchanging ideas, refining their approaches, and building lasting networks that strengthen sustainability education within and across schools and districts.
Translate
Drawing on their summer research experiences, teacher-scholars design and refine NGSS-aligned curriculum that brings eco-conscious concepts to life for middle school learners. Lesson study and reflective practice guide the development of transformative, student-centered learning experiences.
Lead
As teacher-scholars implement their curriculum and share their learning, they take on leadership roles that extend beyond their own classrooms. Through leading professional development sessions at their schools and districts, Eco Catalyzers teacher-scholars help grow a broader community of educators committed to sustainability education, inspiring eco-minded leadership in the next generation.
