Preservice Teacher Education and the Importance of Raising Awareness of Environmental and Climate Justice

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Teachers as Agents of Change in Sustainability Education

Abstract

Climate change is already impacting earth’s diverse residents. Preservice childhood educators need to learn about environmental and climate justice so they can lead conversations with children about climate change and environmental injustices around the world. Arising from work in a science methods and content course for preservice teachers (PSTs), this study explores a project that incorporated multiple theoretical stances and approaches to PST education to encourage environmental and climate action. This study highlights the value of multicultural children’s literature for examining inequalities related to deforestation, water access, and water quality. Following this project, PSTs developed a greater connection to the earth and an interest in environmental action, both in their own lives and in their teaching practices.

Author

• Leah Master, New York University