Creative Change is supporting a cohort of teacher education professors from five states to integrate Education for Sustainability content and methods into a variety of courses. Participants are from Eastern Michigan University (EMU) , Michigan State, University of Michigan, University of Cincinnati, SUNY Fredonia, Northeastern University, and Florida Gulf Coast University. 

The participants teach a wide range of courses including science, math, and social studies methods; social foundations; educational psychology; literacy and language; educational policy and reform; and a student teaching practicum. We are now in the implementation phase of the 20-month project, and participants are implementing their sustainability-infused course "makeovers." 

Participant Spotlight: Ethan Lowenstein, EMU

Ethan Lowenstein, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at Eastern Michigan University, selected a required course for elementary educators as the focus for this project. Creative Change is helping support his Integrated Social Studies Methods course revisions by providing models and tools about key concepts such as community-based learning and interdependence.

Professor Lowenstein says, "Through taking an EcoJustice Educational approach, and integrating it into the core of how and what I teach, my students are engaging in the kind of transformational learning that will help them be effective and responsible teachers in 21st Century schools and communities. I really value and appreciate the support I am getting through CCES." 

His students are exploring the essential question, "As social studies educators, how do we help students become informed, reflective, and active citizens?"  As his students investigate these issues and work towards completion of their major course assignment, designing a unit and presenting it publicly at the 3rd Annual Teaching for EcoJustice and Community Student Exhibition at EMU, they are supported with materials from our Curriculum and Resource Center. Student Rose Ann Erikson said, "Through this class I've come to realize that culture is fluid - it can be changed and re-created through our interactions. We need to start asking ourselves--What are we doing today that changes the culture of tomorrow?"

We are also pleased to announce that Creative Change will be presenting on sustainability as a new paradigm for teacher preparation at the national conference of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE).  The event will be held February 2013 in Orlando. Stay tuned for details!  

This project is supported with a grant from the Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation.