News
Anchin Center Hosts Session on Teaching Amidst the Climate Crisis
November 7, 2024
Tampa, Florida
In the wake of two major hurricanes that impacted the Tampa Bay area this fall, the David C. Anchin Center for the Advancement of Teaching hosted an impactful professional learning session on November 7, 2024. Titled “After the Storms: Teaching Amidst the Climate Crisis,” the event was led by USF College of Education faculty member Dr. Alex Panos. The session brought together undergraduate students to explore the challenges and responsibilities educators face in the context of climate-related disasters.
The session opened with a discussion about the immediate aftermath of the hurricanes and their profound impacts on children, families, and school communities. Participants shared their experiences and concerns, identifying resources and strategies that could be applied in future emergency situations to support students and educators alike.
Dr. Panos emphasized the critical role of educators in addressing the climate crisis through teaching and classroom engagement. She urged participants to think about what it means to educate children living amidst a changing climate and how to foster resilience and awareness. The session encouraged students to approach the topic with openness and curiosity, inviting them to share their worries, ideas, and lived experiences.
One key takeaway from the session was the importance of creating classroom opportunities that address the climate crisis while promoting the rights of all beings to a livable planet. Participants explored new resources and innovative ways of thinking about climate education, ensuring that future teachers are prepared to tackle these urgent issues in their classrooms.
The David C. Anchin Center is committed to supporting educators in navigating the complex realities of teaching in a rapidly changing world. Events like “After the Storms” reflect the Center’s dedication to fostering meaningful professional learning opportunities that empower educators to make a difference in the lives of their students and communities.