2024 Summer Institute for Educators:

Nurturing Roots of Justice: Integrating Equity and Environmental Stewardship into Michigan Food System Education

July 22 & 23, 2024 * 8:30am - 3:30pm

Flint, Michigan

$200 Participation Stipend for Educators | 12 SCECHs Anticipated

A Collaboration between the University of Michigan School of Environment & Sustainability, MSU-Extension Community Food Systems, and Discovering PLACE

In a transformative educational partnership, School for Environment and Sustainability students, the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (GLSI), and Michigan State University (MSU) Extension's Community Food Systems Team seek to advance equitable Michigan K-12 teacher learning and curriculum access for educators related to food systems, with specific attention paid to environmental, climate, and racial justice. This professional learning opportunity will provide educators with a facilitator guide and two-day training opportunity to deepen their comprehension of the socio-environmental facets of food systems. The resources and activities shared with educators will center place-based education practices to connect and engage young people with their local communities. 

Learning Outcomes: 

Participants will…

• Understand the core elements, interconnections, and points of interaction in the food system.

• Learn and become familiar in discussing the intersections of food systems, environment, climate change, and equity. 

• Identify socioeconomic and environmental impacts of local Michigan food systems. 

• Learn about community partners and resources to promote place-based education inside and outside the classroom. 

• Enhance curriculum by practicing with the facilitator guide and activities. 

Benefits of Participation:

• 12 SCECHs for participation anticipated pending state approval.

• Teachers receive a $200 participation stipend for completing the Summer Institute.

• Ongoing support and coaching during the school year are provided as needed.

• School grants are not guaranteed with participation in this institute, but teams may become eligible to apply for PBE Project Grants in the next school year as funding becomes available.