EcoRise Teacher Training | 2013
EcoRise Youth Innovations hosted a curriculum training for teachers at The University of Texas at Austin in summer of 2013. This was one of my first experiences with EcoRise.
Post-EcoRise program evaluations are inspiring. Teachers seem to love the curriculum, which is now available online by registered teachers, for ease of access. Did you know:
Leadership: 89% of EcoRise students report feeling significantly more empowered to lead change and make a difference in their schools and community. An external evaluation by St. Edward’s found EcoRise boosted 21st century skills in systems thinking and self-confidence.
Stewardship: 96% of students have adopted at least 1 new behavior, and 76% adopted at least 3 new behaviors supporting sustainable living practices.
Eco-Literacy: 93% of students significantly increased their knowledge of environmental literacy and sustainability as it pertains to energy, water, waste, transportation, food, air quality and public spaces.
Green Tech and Design Careers: 77% are interested in pursuing green careers.
Instagram photos: 1) at top, a teacher learns how to construct a "solar oven," so that she may, in turn, teach her students; 2) Gina LaMotte, founder of EcoRise (lower left), welcomes teachers, discusses the forthcoming Eco-Audit, and a new online platform; 3) EcoRise board chair Craig Snook, ret. Dow Chemical, shares his thoughts on innovation.
I moved to Austin in late summer, 2013 to work with EcoRise, and I did so for a full year.