UB faculty member works to advance climate education across NYS

UB faculty member Alexa Schindel is playing a key role in efforts to advance climate education across New York State.

Schindel, associate professor of learning and instruction, Graduate School of Education, is part of the Climate and Resilience Education Task Force that has drafted a bill that would establish a course of instruction and learning expectations on climate education in public pre-kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools. The bill would enable educators to explore the causes and impacts of climate change, and provides professional learning opportunities, curricular resources and ongoing support for teachers.

“As an environmental and climate educator and researcher, I am committed to ensuring that students receive age-appropriate climate education that fosters environmental responsibility. Doing so requires state leadership, support and coordination,” Schindel says. “This bill is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.”

With the bill currently under review by the New York State Senate Education Committee, task force members, including Schindel, as well as UB students, educators and community members, traveled to Albany on Jan. 30 and again on Tuesday. Their mission: to engage with legislators, advocating for the bill’s progression and eventual approval.

“Our presence in Albany, accompanied by UB students, youth and educators from across the state, underscores the urgency and importance of this bill,” Schindel says. “We are dedicated to ensuring its passage and the transformative impact it will have on climate education in New York State.”

The P-12 Climate Education Bill (S.278A) is sponsored by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes; a companion bill (A.1559A) is sponsored by Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon. The bill is set for review during the 2023-24 New York State legislative session.

Additionally, the bill outlines plans to develop green career and technical education (CTE) programs, assessment instruments related to climate education, expectations for pre-service teacher-certification programs and establishment of a coordinating Office of Climate Education and Workforce Development.