FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 15, 2008

New program for Global Sustainability at Webster

Preparing St. Louis area educators to teach global sustainability issues is a cutting-edge idea in local K-12 education. Teachers need to prepare the future generation for life in an ecologically friendly society by teaching environmental concepts required for sustainability. Most have not had the training necessary to teach in this area.

This spring, Webster University's School of Education is offering "Education for Global Sustainability" as an emphasis and certificate in its Masters of Teacher Education Program. The "Education for Global Sustainability" program will prepare teachers to model and lead students in becoming informed, analytical and responsible citizens for a sustainable future. Giving students the principles and practices necessary to understand the ecological impact of the relationships between climate, species extinction, pollution and other issues is critical for a life-sustaining future.

President-Elect Obama has pledged that sustainable initiatives will be in the forefront of his term as President. His energy plan is to put $150 million into clean technology over a decade — an initiative that would create five million jobs. Our students must have the knowledge and awareness of sustainability behaviors for the world’s continued survival.

No other program like this is available for educators in the St Louis region. Registration for the spring semester is open. For more information, contact Lori Diefenbacher at 314-246-8054, Webster University, School of Education, diefenlo@webster.edu.

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