Listening to the teachers share their thoughts, it became apparent how this very act – of being authentic – is not commonplace in our modern educational system. These teachers work in a system that many times encourages authority over authenticity; knowledge over wisdom; memorization over application; learning in a classroom rather than learning from and in the community. In this environment, creating a more authentic relationship between teachers and students, and, between education and the community, is no small task. Relating to students in a way that empowers them to participate authentically in their education, and contribute to the sustainability of their community is truly a radical act. These teachers are now set on a course to practice radical acts of kindness.

But, as one teacher pointed out, “our sustainable efforts cannot be personality based, but must become part of the system.” The authenticity these teachers will now bring to their relationships is just the beginning. This is the ground on which they will stand to create a sustainable society by manifesting a sustainable system of education. Over the next three years this group of teachers will explore how to do just that in SF.

Young people spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for 10 months of the year in classrooms. More of their young lives are spent in schools rather than in any other

endeavor. Thus schools substantially influence the beliefs, values, attitudes and behavior of young people. Yet, most education today teaches students to think and see the world from an unsustainable paradigm. Transforming the paradigm of the educational system is vitally important to achieving sustainability. Earth Care is committed to evolving a process for educating that involves an authentic connection between teachers and the youth they work with as well as between the classroom and the greater reality and experience of community, including nature.

Thirty teachers applied for the 20 slots in the intensive 7-day Institute, which was facilitated by Earth Care staff Rachel Balkcom and Tammy Harkins in conjunction with Dana Richards of Earth Works Institute, Ashley Nielsen of Living Education Group, Ted Fish of Philos Institute, and Paige Prescott, former teacher at Monte del Sol Charter School.

Visit Earth Care’s website: www.earthcare.org for more information about these Summer Teacher Institutes, teacher trainings offered throughout the year, and EC’s work to create a system of sustainable education. For information about EC’s school-based programs, contact Tammy Harkins or Jason Espinoza at 983-6896.