Rooted in Justice: Preparing future teachers to integrate Climate Justice Education in a community of practice

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 1:45 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Flip the Script: Reframing Teacher Education for Professional Growth, Learning, and Justice

Abstract

Climate change is a critical issue of our time. However, constraints within educational institutions, combined with a lack of interpersonal support, make it difficult for preservice teachers to effectively implement climate justice education (CJE). This study examines how a faculty-facilitated community of practice supports preservice elementary teacher interns' development and enactment of climate justice education. Situated within a Canadian teacher education program on unceded Syilx territory, the study frames CJE as both land restoration and a lived land acknowledgment. Findings reveal that participants built deeper relationships with the land, students, and each other. Findings inform strategies for preparing future teachers to use a climate justice lens. This work highlights teacher education’s role in addressing climate change in elementary education.

Author

• Sumer Seiki, University of British Columbia