The Monmouth University Climate Change Learning Collaborative (MU CCLC) was developed by Michelle Schpakow, Ed.D., Catherine Duckett, Ph.D., and Peter Jacques, Ph.D. in collaboration with Monmouth University’s Urban Coast Institute (UCI), New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, and Monmouth Conservation Foundation. With the funding support of the NJ Department of Education’s Expanding Access to Climate Change and NJ Student Learning grant, the MU CCLC will prepare NJ K-12 teachers to teach climate change in developmentally appropriate ways across all grade levels and subject areas. Monmouth Conservation Foundation, NJ Sea Grant Consortium, and the Urban Coast Institute will offer place-based curriculum and experiential learning opportunities. The MU CCLC program began in June 2024 and will continue to offer professional development events multiple times each month through March 2025.
Teachers and administrators from New Jersey public schools are eligible to attend Climate Change Learning Collaborative events and use services provided by the Climate Change Learning Collaborative. Teachers from New Jersey public schools are eligible to receive a stipend for attending Climate Change Learning Collaborative events outside contracted hours and substitute teacher coverage for attending Climate Change Learning Collaborative events held during contracted hours. Teachers will be required to complete a post-event survey to receive a stipend or substitute teacher coverage.
The MU CCLC team is here to offer support and answer questions between sessions. Please email us at MUclimateeducation@monmouth.edu. We look forward to working with you!
Upcoming Professional Development Sessions
Lecture on Sea Level Rise
August 1, 2024, 6 – 7 p.m., Monmouth University Campus
The climate change driven sea level rise lecture will start with an overview of the Earth’s Greenhouse Effect and how it has contributed to sea level changes over the past 100 million years, followed by a discussion of present day sea level changes and the natural processes that will contribute to future relative sea level rise. The lecture will conclude with a discussion on how sea level rise contributes to more frequent and impactful nuisance flooding and coastal storm surge in New Jersey’s coastal communities. Time will be provided for questions and answers with the guest speaker. Additional details with information on parking and room location will be emailed to registered participants. Register for Lecture on Sea Level Rise.
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades 9-12)
August 7, 2024, 4 – 6 p.m., Zoom
Grade 9-12 educators are invited to learn about incorporating climate change standards into lessons. Participants will learn interdisciplinary planning strategies and pedagogical approaches for integrating climate change education at the secondary level. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lesson plans for the workshop portion of the session. These plans will be examined collaboratively and updated to better infuse climate change standards. Register for Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades 9-12).
Transforming Relationships for Global Sustainability
August 19, 2024, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Zoom
This professional development session will explore issues in sustainability through the lens of transforming relationships between humans and the environment. Practical ideas for sustainability initiatives in schools will be discussed. Workshop time will be provided for participants to plan for sustainability initiatives in their own schools with the support of session facilitators and in collaboration with other participants. Register for Transforming Relationships for Global Sustainability Zoom Session.
Coaching & Collaboration
August 21, 2024, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Monmouth University Campus
Please join us on campus for some professional networking. We will provide a brief review of sea level rise, a question and answer period, and time to work together in a supportive environment. Teachers may bring lesson plans they need help with. Administrators may bring questions they have about implementation in the schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts.
We will be meeting in the Turrell Boardroom (Bey Hall 201). You will find Bey Hall (#26) on the campus map. The main parking area is located directly in front of Bey Hall. You may use this lot when visiting campus. Unfortunately, there will not be any food or beverages served during the event, but you may bring your own or visit the student center (#42 on the map). Please keep in mind that our beautiful campus is located along the Jersey Shore. Though many students enjoy this benefit, it may add a few minutes to your summer commute. Please let us know if you have any questions. Register for Coaching & Collaboration.
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades K-2)
September 10, 2024, 4 – 6 p.m., Zoom
Grade K-2 educators are invited to learn about incorporating climate change standards into lessons. Participants will learn interdisciplinary planning strategies and pedagogical approaches for integrating climate change education at the primary level. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lesson plans for the workshop portion of the session. These plans will be examined collaboratively and updated to better infuse climate change standards. Register for Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades K-2).
Climate Change Resources
Check back often as new content will continue to be added!
Other Climate Change Learning Collaboratives
New Jersey Department of Education Resources
Sustainability Resources
- UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development
- World’s Largest Lesson
- Global Schools Program
- Sustainable Jersey for Schools
Past Professional Development Sessions
Introduction to Climate Change
June 11, 2024, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Zoom
This is a basic introduction to climate change for any educators wanting to improve their background knowledge. The session will present climate change as simple, serious, and solvable. The science behind the greenhouse effect, some of the more profound and serious climate impacts, and the most important climate solutions will be presented. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions, and some tools for teaching basic greenhouse effect will be discussed. This session may be of particular interest to teachers of subjects other than sciences.
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades 3-5)
June 12, 2024, 6 – 8 p.m., Zoom
Grade 3-5 educators are invited to learn about incorporating climate change standards into lessons. Participants will learn interdisciplinary planning strategies and pedagogical approaches for integrating climate change education at the upper elementary level. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lesson plans for the workshop portion of the session. These plans will be examined collaboratively and updated to better infuse climate change standards.
Coaching & Collaboration
June 25, 2024, 1 – 2 p.m., Zoom
Please join us online for some professional networking. We will provide a brief review of climate change education, a question and answer period, and time to work together in a supportive environment. Teachers may bring lesson plans they need help with. Administrators may bring questions they have about implementation in the schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts.
Transforming Relationships for Global Sustainability
June 28, 2024, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monmouth University Campus
This professional development session will explore issues in sustainability through the lens of transforming relationships between humans and the environment. Practical ideas for sustainability initiatives in schools will be discussed. Workshop time will be provided for participants to plan for sustainability initiatives in their own schools with the support of session facilitators and in collaboration with other participants.
We will be meeting in the Turrell Boardroom (Bey Hall 201). You will find Bey Hall (#26) on the campus map. The main parking area is located directly in front of Bey Hall. You may use this lot when visiting campus. Unfortunately, there will not be any food or beverages served during the event, but you may bring your own or visit the student center (#42 on the map). Please keep in mind that our beautiful campus is located along the Jersey Shore. Though many students enjoy this benefit, it may add a few minutes to your summer commute. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades 6-8)
July 1, 2024, 12 – 2 p.m., Zoom
Grade 6-8 educators are invited to learn about incorporating climate change standards into lessons. Participants will learn interdisciplinary planning strategies and pedagogical approaches for integrating climate change education at the middle school level. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lesson plans for the workshop portion of the session. These plans will be examined collaboratively and updated to better infuse climate change standards.
Workshop in Modeling and Using Climate Models in Teaching: Using the En-ROADS Climate Simulator for Understanding Climate Solutions
July 23, 2024, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monmouth University Campus
This session, which will be co-taught by Dr. Joe Coyle, a mathematician, and Dr. Catherine Duckett, a biologist and climate science educator, is designed for teachers of grades 8 through 12. The first part of the session will focus on modeling and using climate models in teaching. The second part will focus on climate solutions using the En-Roads decision support model. En-Roads is a tool that uses a slightly simplified version of the climate model used by the United Nations to help users understand the impacts of different climate solutions. In this session, Dr. Duckett will lead the participants in an activity that can be used directly in classrooms. En-Roads provides materials for teachers to use in their own classrooms. Some of these materials will be provided to registrants prior to the session. Come prepared to save life on the planet and negotiate with other participants to do so!
Wifi access will be provided, but each participant should plan to bring a laptop. We will be meeting in Edison Hall 201. You will find Edison Science Hall (#23) on the campus map. Please park in the main lot when visiting campus. Unfortunately, there will not be any food or beverages served during the event, but you may bring your own or visit the student center (#42 on the map). Please keep in mind that our beautiful campus is located along the Jersey Shore. Though many students enjoy this benefit, it may add a few minutes to your summer commute. Please let us know if you have any questions.