Professional Development with Change is Simple
Change is Simple professional development prepares educators to infuse justice-oriented environmental literacy into every aspect of a student’s day within and beyond the classroom to empower the next generation of environmental stewards.
Our program provides teachers with:
Personalized trainings with our DESE certified professional development providers
Thoughtfully crafted workshops led by our team on how to teach sustainability to children in a way that lights them up and shows them their own power to make a difference in their world — from their school to their backyard, town, and beyond, creating the next generation of scientists and social stewards
Workshops and adaptable lesson plans grounded in environmental literacy and aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core designed to enhance math, ELA, and science comprehension
Customizable professional development for districts, schools and groups of teachers
Research-based pedagogical approaches to make student learning real and relevant for today’s changing world. Our program is backed by a third party program evaluation
A passion for experiential learning, working with teachers and students and a proven record of training the next generation of environmental stewards
In-person and virtual professional development opportunities
Courses
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Grades: 4-12
"Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions in a controlled environment. It is a sustainable and climate-friendly practice that conserves water, reduces the need for harmful pesticides, and minimizes land use. Hydroponic systems can be tailored to suit any climate and can be used to grow a variety of crops year-round.
In this professional development workshop, educators will learn the basics of hydroponics and how it connects to sustainability and climate issues. They will build their hydroponic kit with the help of our experts, and learn how to seed and manage their crops, including measuring pH levels and adjusting nutrient solutions. Educators will receive support and resources to incorporate math skills into their lesson plan to help their students better understand hydroponic management, including calculating water and nutrient requirements for their plants.
Hydroponics can help reduce carbon emissions and conserve water while providing fresh, healthy food. This professional development workshop will offer several breakout conversations to come up with creative ways to integrate hydroponics into the curriculum, making it a valuable and marketable skill for students and educators alike. We will also provide seasonal ""visits"" from our experts to check in on your system and provide support if needed. Join us to develop the skills and confidence in leading workshops with your students on how to build a sustainable future with hydroponics!"
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Grades: K-8
"As our planet faces unprecedented environmental challenges, it's critical to ensure that the next generation is prepared to tackle these issues. Our program empowers educators to make a real impact in their classrooms and communities by creating sustainable and environmentally conscious learning environments.
Our workshop will provide teachers with the tools and knowledge needed to turn their classrooms into green classrooms. We'll cover a range of topics, from recycling and reducing waste to energy conservation and using eco-friendly products. You'll learn how to engage your students in hands-on activities that will inspire them to become environmental leaders in their own right.
In addition to the workshop, we'll provide an audit of your classroom and work with your students to showcase their sustainable practices. By earning a Green Classroom certification, you'll demonstrate your commitment to creating a more sustainable future for us all.
Join us in taking the first steps towards a more sustainable future. Our professional development workshop is the perfect opportunity for educators who want to make a real impact in their classrooms and beyond. Sign up today and start creating a green classroom that will inspire and educate the next generation of environmental leaders!"
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Grades: K-5
Composting is an easy and effective way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for gardens and plants. Our program empowers educators to implement composting in their schools, creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious learning environment.
Our workshop will provide teachers with the tools and knowledge needed to set up and maintain a composting system in their schools. We'll cover a range of topics, from choosing the right composting bin and materials to engaging students in hands-on activities that will inspire them to become environmental stewards.
In addition to the workshop, we'll provide support for setting up a composting program at your school. We'll work with school administrators, custodians, and other stakeholders to create a sustainable and effective composting program that fits the needs of your school community.
By implementing composting in your school, you'll be reducing waste, conserving resources, and creating healthy soil for plants and gardens. It's a simple and effective way to make a real impact on the environment and engage your students in meaningful and hands-on learning.
Join us in taking the first steps towards a more sustainable future. Our professional development workshop is the perfect opportunity for educators who want to make a real impact in their classrooms and schools. Sign up today and start composting in your classroom and school!
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Grades: N/A, for cafeteria, custodial, or administrative staff
Build environmental literacy and empower the next generation of environmental stewards by partnering with Change is Simple. This Soil Science and Composting Professional Development equips school staff (kitchen, custodial, teachers, etc.) with the ability to utilize the changing climate and social issues for learning and waste reduction. By providing school staff with justice-oriented environmental curriculum and content knowledge, our program allows adults to understand the importance of their role in school kitchens and on school grounds. Staff will learn how they have the ability to reduce solid waste tonnage by diverting organics from the waste stream and why! This small behavior change not only has environmental benefits, but also saves schools and municipalities money. The Change is Simple program will be customized for your school and designed to maximize staff participation in composting efforts and empower them with knowledge that they can pass along to students.
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Grades: K-7
FREE (included with Change is Simple membership)
"Are you looking to take your sustainability education to the next level? Change is Simple is excited to offer a professional development workshop specifically designed to help teachers make the most of their existing partnership with us!
Our workshop is designed to provide teachers with the tools and knowledge they need to seamlessly integrate sustainability education into their curriculum. We will work with you to align our workshops to your curriculum and scope and sequence, making it easy to integrate sustainability education into your daily lesson plans. Our workshop will cover a variety of topics, including hands-on activities, math and ELA extensions, relevant videos, books, infographics, and more.
At Change is Simple, we believe that the best way to teach sustainability is through experiential learning. Our program is designed to engage students in hands-on learning about sustainability and environmental stewardship. By working with us, teachers will have access to a wide range of resources and support, making it easy to create an impactful and engaging sustainability education program for their students.
Join us in empowering the next generation to become environmental leaders. Contact us today to learn more about how we can work together to create a more sustainable future for all!"
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Want to take your classroom learning outside but not sure where to begin? This workshop is for you! This PD will cover the why's and how's of outdoor learning. We'll discuss the benefits of outdoor learning, from encouraging critical thinking and building resilience to fostering significant connections to the natural world. Then, we'll work together to identify potential barriers and solutions to creating an outdoor classroom at your school. You'll learn how to develop curricula for your outdoor classroom.
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This workshop equips teachers with the tools and knowledge to integrate electric vehicle (EV) education into their classrooms through engaging, hands-on learning. Participants will discover how EVs can bring real-world relevance, environmental awareness, and technological innovation to life — while giving students the opportunity to build their own working electric vehicles. By exploring EV technology firsthand, students gain practical experience in engineering, physics, and sustainability, fostering curiosity, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the science driving the future of mobility.
* Most popular among teachers!
Our Mission
Professional development with Change is Simple equips educators with the ability to utilize the changing climate and social issues to build environmental literacy and empower a generation of environmental stewards. Through this professional development, we are committed to decreasing equity gaps in student access to high quality STEM education and helping students become more engaged learners. By providing teachers with justice-oriented environmental curriculum and content knowledge, our program allows educators both locally and nationally to infuse climate education into every aspect of a student’s day within and beyond the classroom - creating a future generation of engaged citizens, problem solvers, and environmental stewards.
Meet the PD Program Developers
Sara Ewell, PhD | Dr. Ewell is the Director of the Doctor of Education and Teaching Professor at Northeastern University. She has over twenty years of experience in the field of education as a classroom teacher, researcher, faculty member and program evaluator. She is passionate about teaching and learning that leads to just and equitable outcomes for all students.
Kylie Kean | Kylie is Evaluation Coordinator at Change is Simple. While conducting research on environmental education for children Kylie discovered her passion for education as a tool for youth empowerment and environmental stewardship. In addition, she brings experiences in early childhood education and outdoor learning to the team. Kylie is excited to use her skills and knowledge to empower teachers and students to become environmental leaders.
Patrick Belmonte | Patrick is Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of Change is Simple. Patrick has been an integral part of the development of the Change is Simple curriculum and has delivered the Change is Simple program to over 1,000 classrooms and over 20,000 students. He works closely with school administrators and teachers to develop programming that fulfills objectives and the Change is Simple mission. Patrick is excited to bring his experience with students, schools and curriculum to the Professional Development programming.
Maddi McKenna | Maddi is Project Manager at Change is Simple and has taught climate education to thousands of Change is Simple students since 2021. She played a key role in developing and integrating our kindergarten–second grade lessons and believes that no one is too young to start caring about the planet. Now working beyond the classroom, Maddi designs curriculum for partner organizations and cities, enhances the lessons we deliver, and leads professional development for educators to advance climate literacy across Massachusetts and beyond.
Skye Fournier | Former Program Director and Lead Educator at Change is Simple, Skye has designed and taught environmental education to thousands of students throughout New England. Skye’s passion about connecting students to the natural world and encouraging them to take actions to protect it through meaningful outdoor experiences provided invaluable insight during program development.
Visit: 100 Cummings Center, Suite 227Q, Beverly MA, 01915 | Call: (978) 344 - 2155 | Email: info@changeissimple.org