Climate Education Action Taskforce and Plan

Public Comment Request:

The Climate Education Taskforce has met this spring on three occasions. The taskforce is midway through the process of drafting recommendations for the Maine Department of Education. The taskforce is a selection of engaged parties throughout the state of Maine. In additional to these perspectives, it is crucial to hear from as diverse a set of perspectives as possible. This request for public comment is part of this effort. There will be an additional opportunity for comment flowing the completion of the taskforce in June. Please see the below recommendation document and form.

Draft #1 - Climate Education Plan, for Public Comment.pdf

Public Comment Form

If you wish to engage further in conversation, you can schedule a meeting with the Taskforce facilitator and Climate Education Specialist, Teddy Lyman, here: Office Hours

About this Taskforce:

This Taskforce for the Maine Department of Education will look at the challenges around climate change education in Maine public Pre-K through grade 12 education and define clear action steps for the Department as well as other key stakeholders throughout the state to take on curriculum, resources, plans, and policies. The taskforce is created by the recommendation of the Maine Climate Council.

• The taskforce will be comprised of 20-25 stakeholders from through the state of Maine and serving in a variety of roles: teacher, school/district leadership, partner organization such as community-based nonprofits, workforce development, and youth.  
• Outcomes: 4-6 defined and detailed challenges/goals with 2-5 action steps for each goal for stakeholders to undertake within a defined timeline.
  • Published as the Maine Climate Education Action Plan (3-5 pages)
  • 4-year timeline for Climate Education Action.
• This taskforce will meet 7 times from early April to mid-June. The schedule is detailed below.

Timeline:

Expenses: Teacher and Youth expenses will be covered for travel to in-person events, including overnight expenses if qualified (note on interest form). Teacher substitution costs will be covered. Following the stakeholder selection, invoicing information will be available.

Selection:
Selection for this taskforce has concluded. It was publicly available here on this site. Those interested in the taskforce are encouraged to engage in the above request for comment.