Teaching and learning toward a sustainable future: The sustainability academy at Lawrence Barnes

Abstract

The Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes is the USA’s first sustainability-themed elementary magnet school. The Sustainability Academy, located in Burlington, Vermont, was created by the Burlington School District in partnership with Shelburne Farms, a nonprofit education organization. This chapter outlines the history of the school’s transformation and lessons learned throughout this process. Education for sustainability in an elementary school setting is discussed in depth, highlighting examples of emergent curriculum and student learning. Essential elements, including evaluation, collaboration, community partnerships, curriculum, and leadership, are explored.