About Us
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), the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC), 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 aims to 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 while Monmouth University will offer professional development related to climate science, interdisciplinary instruction, and special interest topics related to climate change. Though the MU CCLC is funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Education, the materials and any opinions, results, conclusions, or recommendations expressed within are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Jersey Department of Education nor constitute an endorsement thereof.
Collaboration and Community Engagement!
The MU CCLC team is here to offer support and answer questions between sessions. Sign up for email announcements and reminders from our team, or email us at MUclimateeducation@monmouth.edu. You can also join our Google Classroom to interact and collaborate with other, local educators. We look forward to working with you!
Stipend Requests
Teachers and administrators from New Jersey public schools are eligible to attend Climate Change Learning Collaborative events/opportunities 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/opportunities outside contracted hours and substitute teacher coverage for attending Climate Change Learning Collaborative events/opportunities at an offsite location during contracted hours. Teachers will be required to complete a post-event/opportunity survey to receive a stipend or substitute teacher coverage. The MU CCLC’s partnering Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in Monmouth County, Mercer County, and Union County will be given priority in event/opportunity attendance and the disbursement of stipends or substitute teacher coverage.
To request stipends, you must meet all of the above criteria. You can then submit a signed 2024 W9 and Contracted and Professional Services form to muclimateeducation@monmouth.edu for each event you attend. Stipends will be paid at the rate of $60/hour up to $180 per event. If you need help completing these forms, let us know. Your school may email us an invoice for substitute teacher costs for any events you attend during the school day.
Upcoming Professional Development Sessions
Experiential Learning Opportunity with Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF)
Tulpehaking Nature Center, Mercer County
July 12, 2025, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Place-Based Learning and Basic Climate Literacy
Using the outdoor classroom (schoolyard or park) is an excellent opportunity to engage students in experiential placed-based learning. The outdoor classroom lends itself to creating environmental awareness and literacy across many issues, including climate change. Participants will review best practices for maximizing outcomes for teaching in an outdoor environment. Additionally, the workshop will focus on developing a sense of place through observation, data collection and mapping. Registration is now closed for this event. A similar event will be held on September 27, or you could email muclimateeducation@monmouth.edu to be placed on a wait list.
Location: Tulpehaking Nature Center. 157 Westcott Ave, Hamilton Township, NJ 08610
Experiential Learning Opportunity with Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF)
Trailside Nature Center, Union County
July 19, 2025, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Exploring Climate Change through Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace (LNT) is a framework for responsible use and stewardship of natural areas. While our actions often have some degree of local or global impact, we can be aware of and attempt to minimize such impacts to protect and preserve resources for others to enjoy. Through a focus on Leave No Trace, workshop participants will explore how these principles can guide ethical and practical solutions for enjoying the outdoors, in one’s daily life, and in a climate-concerned world. Register for Exploring Climate Change through Leave No Trace.
Location: Trailside Nature Center. 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092
Coaching & Collaboration
July 24, 2025, 10 -11 a.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 their schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts. Register for Coaching & Collaboration.
Discovering the Ecological Self: Integrating Eco Art into Climate Education
August 7, 2025, 2 – 5 p.m., Zoom
Discovering the Ecological Self: Integrating Eco Art into Climate Education
This experiential online workshop introduces grade 6-12 educators to eco art as a powerful tool for climate education. Participants will engage in hands-on creative processes drawn from the Eco Art curriculum, which emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking, environmental awareness, and emotional connection to nature. Educators will explore the concept of the “ecological self” through drawing, reflection, and collaborative discussion—gaining insight into how art can help students deepen their relationship with the environment. The session models techniques such as symbol mining, nature-based mandalas, and transdisciplinary inquiry, while providing examples of successful eco art projects. Educators will leave with adaptable lesson frameworks and creative strategies to inspire students to think critically and compassionately about their place in the natural world. A suggested workshop supply list will be sent out beforehand. Register for Discovering the Ecological Self: Integrating Eco Art into Climate Education.
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades 3-5)
August 11, 2025, 12 – 2 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. Register for Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades 3-5).
Education and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
August 12, 2025, 11 am – 12:30 pm, Zoom
All grades educators are invited to learn about United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and incorporating them into lessons and school initiatives. Participants will discover how climate change is not strictly a science issue but related to other social and global matters (regions and people from all around the world, economic issues, water and food shortages, resources, health, energy, community, etc.) and connects across all disciplines and subjects. Therefore, this workshop is a great session to take before or after Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education PD sessions. Participants will collaboratively examine different sustainable development goals, with given resources and ideas for teaching and students’ civic engagement. Register for Education and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Experiential Learning Opportunity with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
August 18, 2025, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Build Your Confidence in Teaching Climate Science – Life Sciences Focus (Grades K-5)
Grade K-5 teachers are invited to explore the basics of climate science and effective ways to teach climate change to their elementary school students. Enhance your curriculum with new classroom activities and hands-on outdoor experiential learning on topics such as species diversity, food webs, changes in weather patterns, and how these changes can affect coastal ecosystems. This workshop will provide the tools and experiences necessary to inspire student curiosity and motivation to work collaboratively towards solutions in reducing climate change impacts. Educators will also learn how to utilize research-based framework to approach discussions on this sometimes-difficult topic.
This workshop will take place rain or shine and will have both indoor and outdoor components utilizing NJSGC’s headquarters and Sandy Hook’s natural coastal environments. Please dress for the weather in comfortable clothing and footwear that may get sandy. Sunscreen and bug spray are always a good idea, as are hats when conditions are sunny and hot. Feel free to bring your laptop or notebook of choice. Coffee/tea and light snacks will be provided, please bring your own refillable water bottle. All field equipment and materials will be provided by NJSGC.
Location: New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, 22 Magruder Road, Fort Hancock, NJ 07732 (for GPS use “22 Magruder Road, Highlands, NJ 07732”; for directions, click here)
Please register here by August 1, 2025. Space is limited to 30 participants.
Experiential Learning Opportunity with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
August 19, 2025, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Build Your Confidence in Teaching Climate Science – Human Impacts Focus (K-5)
Grade K-5 teachers are invited to explore the basics of climate science and effective ways to teach climate change to their elementary school students. Causes of climate change and impacts on coastal communities and ocean environments will be the focus of this workshop as educators learn about flooding and sea level rise, species migration and food chains, and renewable energy sources. Enhance your curriculum with new classroom activities and hands-on outdoor experiential learning. This workshop will provide the tools and experiences necessary to inspire student curiosity and motivation to work collaboratively towards solutions in reducing climate change impacts. Educators will also learn how to utilize research-based framework to approach discussions on this sometimes-difficult topic.
This workshop will take place rain or shine and will have both indoor and outdoor components utilizing NJSGC’s headquarters and Sandy Hook’s natural coastal environments. Please dress for the weather in comfortable clothing and footwear that may get sandy. Sunscreen is always a good idea, as are hats when conditions require. Feel free to bring your laptop or notebook of choice. Coffee/tea and light snacks will be provided, but please bring your own refillable water bottle. All field equipment and materials will be provided by NJSGC.
Location: New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, 22 Magruder Road, Fort Hancock, NJ 07732 (for GPS use “22 Magruder Road, Highlands, NJ 07732”; for directions, click here)
Please register here by August 1, 2025. Space is limited to 30 participants.
Experiential Learning Opportunity with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
August 20, 2025, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Global Climate Systems and Human Society (Grades 6-12)
Grade 6-12 educators will explore the energy drivers of climate change, the effects on natural resources, and how these impact society. Real-world data transfer and climate models will enable teachers to closely examine resource availability and sustainable coastal ecosystems with both laboratory activities and field studies. Alternative energy sources will be explored as well. This workshop will provide the tools and experiences necessary to inspire student inquiry and problem solving. Educators will also learn how to utilize research-based framework to communicate climate science and facilitate solution development.
This workshop will take place rain or shine and will have both indoor and outdoor components utilizing NJSGC’s headquarters and Sandy Hook’s natural coastal environments. Please dress for the weather in comfortable clothing and footwear that may get sandy. Sunscreen and bug spray are always a good idea, as are hats when conditions are sunny and hot. Feel free to bring your laptop or notebook of choice. Coffee/tea and light snacks will be provided, but please bring your own refillable water bottle. All field equipment will be provided by NJSGC.
Location: New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, 22 Magruder Road, Fort Hancock, NJ 07732 (for GPS use “22 Magruder Road, Highlands, NJ 07732”; for directions, click here)
Please register here by August 1, 2025. Space is limited to 30 participants.
Experiential Learning Opportunity with New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC)
Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit
August 21, 2025, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Communities and the Cost of Climate Change (Grades 6-12)
Grade 6-12 educators will examine the economic impacts of climate change on coastal communities and how some populations are disproportionately affected by environmental challenges. Topics such as coastal resilience, ecosystem dynamics, and biodiversity will be explored with laboratory activities and field studies (weather permitting). This workshop will provide the tools and experiences necessary to inspire student inquiry and problem solving. Educators will also learn how to utilize research-based framework to communicate climate science and facilitate solution development.
This workshop will take place rain or shine and will have both indoor and outdoor components utilizing NJSGC’s headquarters and Sandy Hook’s natural coastal environments. Please dress for the weather in comfortable clothing and footwear that may get sandy. Sunscreen is always a good idea, as are hats when conditions require. Feel free to bring your laptop or notebook of choice. Coffee/tea and light snacks will be provided, but please bring your own refillable water bottle. All field equipment and materials will be provided by NJSGC.
Location: New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, 22 Magruder Road, Fort Hancock, NJ 07732 (for GPS use “22 Magruder Road, Highlands, NJ 07732”; for directions, click here)
Please register here by August 1, 2025. Space is limited to 30 participants.
Coaching & Collaboration
August 21, 2025, 2 – 3 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 their schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts. Register for Coaching & Collaboration.
Biodiversity and Climate Change Impacts
August 26, 2025, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Zoom
Climate change is an emergency for many plants and animals and causes them to become stressed and lose habitat for living and breeding. Climate change also causes ecological mismatches between organisms in symbiotic relationships, such as pollinators and plants or animals and the plants or animals they feed on. Many different biological examples of current climate impacts on the living world will be discussed as well as solutions to the climate mediated biodiversity crisis. This session is appropriate for middle and high school teachers as well as for others who just want to deepen their own understanding of the threats to life on Earth. Register for Biodiversity and Climate Change Impacts.
Fall 2025 – Student Opportunities with NJSGC
K-12 teachers from LEAs in Monmouth University’s service area can bring their students to New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium for an outdoor experiential learning opportunity to explore how coastal ecosystems are impacted by environmental disruption. Students will investigate topics such as natural resource availability, coastal biodiversity and natural hazards with hands-on activities and field investigations in this three-hour program that takes place at Gateway National Recreation Area on Sandy Hook.
Space is limited to two classes (up to 60 students) per LEA and is available September-November 2025 only. Please contact Samantha Maxwell-Kowal, K-12 Program Coordinator at smaxwell-kowal@njseagrant.org 732-872-1300, extension 13 for more information and to reserve your field trip.
Fall 2025 – Student Opportunities with MCF
K-12 teachers in Monmouth University’s service area can coordinate with the Monmouth Conservation Foundation to provide students with an outdoor experiential learning opportunity to explore how land conservation and climate change are connected. Students will investigate topics such as land use, natural climate solutions, place-based learning, and leave no trace principles. MCF staff will work with teachers to tailor a program that takes place at MCF’s Scudder Preserve in Atlantic Highlands or at another mutually suitable location. Space is limited to two sessions (up to 25 students per session) and is available September-November 2025. Please contact Doug Caum, MCF Director of Educational Outreach at dcaum@monmouthconservation.org or 732.333.7995 for more information or to reserve your field trip.
Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
September 9, 2025, 7 – 8 p.m., Zoom
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 speaker, Tom Herrington, Ph.D. Register for Climate Change and Sea Level Rise.
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades K-2)
September 11, 2025, 4:00 – 6:00 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).
Coaching & Collaboration
September 26, 2025, 5:00 – 6:00 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 their schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts. Register for Coaching & Collaboration.
Experiential Learning Opportunity with Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF)
Huber Woods Park, Monmouth County
September 27, 2025, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Place-Based Learning and Basic Climate Literacy
Using the outdoor classroom (schoolyard or park) is an excellent opportunity to engage students in experiential placed-based learning. The outdoor classroom lends itself to creating environmental awareness and literacy across many issues, including climate change. Participants will review best practices for maximizing outcomes for teaching in an outdoor environment. Additionally, the workshop will focus on developing a sense of place through observation, data collection and mapping. Register for Place-Based Learning and Basic Climate Literacy. Location: Huber Woods Park. 25 Browns Dock Rd, Rumson, NJ 07760
Using the En-ROADS Climate Simulator for Understanding Climate Solutions
September 29, 2025, 5 – 7 p.m., Zoom
This session, which will be presented by Catherine Duckett, Ph.D., a biologist and climate science educator, is designed for teachers of grades 8 through 12. Teachers 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! Register for Using the En-ROADS Climate Simulator for Understanding Climate Solutions.
Environmental Game Design
October 1, 2025, 7:00 p.m., Zoom
More information coming soon!
Experiential Learning Opportunity with Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF)
Allaire State Park, Monmouth County
October 4, 2025, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Exploring Climate Change through Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace (LNT) is a framework for responsible use and stewardship of natural areas. While our actions often have some degree of local or global impact, we can be aware of and attempt to minimize such impacts to protect and preserve resources for others to enjoy. Through a focus on Leave No Trace, workshop participants will explore how these principles can guide ethical and practical solutions for enjoying the outdoors, in one’s daily life, and in a climate-concerned world. Register for Exploring Climate Change through Leave No Trace. Location: Allaire State Park. 4265 Atlantic Ave, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades 9-12)
October 6, 2025, 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).
Coaching & Collaboration
October 23, 2025, 4:00 – 5:00 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 their schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts. Register for Coaching & Collaboration.
Transforming Relationships for Global Sustainability
October 25, 2025, 10 a.m. – 12 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.
Introduction to Climate Change
November 3, 2025, 6 – 7 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. Register for Introduction to Climate Change.
Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades 6-8)
November 13, 2025, 6 – 8 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. Register for Interdisciplinary Instruction for Climate Education (Grades 6-8).
Coaching & Collaboration
November 15, 2025, 10 – 11 a.m., Zoom
Please join us 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 their schools. We are happy to address any needs brought to this session and provide space for collaboration among schools and districts. Register for Coaching & Collaboration.