Informal/Nonformal Education

The informal/non-formal subcommittee is envisioning how the informal/nonformal sectors can achieve critical aspects of sustainability solutions.  Through determining the status of ESD in Ontario through survey work, the informal / nonformal subcommittee will identify challenges and opportunities to embark on a sustainability path as well as provide inspirational case studies of progress towards a ‘culture of sustainability’

Currently this subcommittee is undertaking:

• Teacher professional development initiatives in the areas of climate change
  education and integrated programming.
• Developing a 'how-to' manual to help teachers apply best practices
  pedagogical approaches to implement ESD in their classrooms and schools.
• Supporting climate change education.
• Curriculum Review processes (Health and Physical Education, Science, Social
  Sciences and the Humanities)
  

Contact: Douglas Worts: douglas_worts@rogers.com

Formal Education

The formal education subcommittee works to support the implementation of the Bondar Report, “Shaping Our Schools, Shaping Our Future”.  The subcommittee addresses policy by engaging in curriculum policy review processes and supporting enhancement of Ministry of Education documents by bringing an ESD perspective.  It also works with all Teacher Affiliates to create professional development opportunities for teachers.  Through communicating with relevant players in the formal education sphere, this subcommittee is able to mobilize ESD methods and its importance.

Currently this subcommittee is undertaking:

ESD presentations to Faculties of Education and Ontario Teacher’s Federation
Health & Physical Education Curriculum Review Process with expertise Health groups
Facilitating communications among provincial government

Contact: Stan Kozak:skozak@lsf-lst.ca

Biodiversity Education & Awareness Network (BEAN)

BEAN currently engages people from 22 different organizations representing formal education, NGOs, industry, government and Aboriginal peoples. It reports both to EASO and the Ontario Biodiversity Council, where it serves as the Education and Awareness Task Team.  BEAN aims to encourage and strengthen education and awareness programs about the importance of biodiversity and causes of biodiversity loss, as well as its protection and sustainable use. 

Currently BEAN is:

• Finalizing an implementation plan designed to fulfill the education and
  awareness actions of Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy.
• Supporting professional development activities by collaborating with the
  Ontario Teacher’s Federation in the 2009 Going Green Summer workshop series
  for Elementary and Secondary teachers.
• Celebrating the success of International Day for Biological Diversity and planning for next year's event.
• Developing instructional materials to support the Grade 10 Science unit on Climate Change.
• More information can be found at www.biodiversityeducation.ca  

Contact: Alan Crook: alan.crook@ontario.ca

Communications

This subcommittee works to promote EASO, ESD, and the UN Decade of ESD, through out Ontario by utilizing print, media, and Internet communications.  Communications subcommittee works to create power points, Op Ed’s, brochures, and articles for EASO.

Currently this subcommittee is:

Designing a new website
Writing an OpEd and other material about ESD
Collaborating with environmental journalists

Contact: Ellen Field: esd_ontario@lsf-lst.ca

Fundraising

This subcommittee raises funds to maintain the operations of EASO and to increase funding in order to increase EASO’s ability to engage stakeholders throughout Ontario in ESD dialogue.

Currently this subcommittee is:

Writing proposals
Meeting with Ministry Officials

Contact: David Bell: dvjbell@rogers.com