The University of Reading is driving action to ensure that the next generation of teachers are empowered to help transform climate education for young people.
The National Climate Education Action Plan, which emerged following the Climate Education Summit held by the University of Reading in advance of COP26, recognises the important role of teachers in transforming climate education for all young people in the UK.
Action 2 in the plan states: “All teacher trainers and initial teacher trainees should be able to access training that empowers them to effectively incorporate climate education within their teaching across all levels and subjects.”
The University of Reading is leading the response, and the Institute of Education has developed the Climate Education and Sustainability Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Framework. The Framework, which spans all educational phases, settings and subjects – from Early Years through to Sixth Form – was piloted throughout the 2022/23 academic year across all of Reading’s ITE programmes.
In implementing the Framework, Reading’s trainee teachers are empowered to develop their knowledge and understanding of the climate crisis. They graduate with a set of skills to support the young people they will go on to teach, to build resilience, and to become future changemakers.
