Sustainable Schools

Sustainability in the Classroom and Beyond Educators Forum

Thanks for joining us at the 2025 Educator's forum. Stay tuned for forum summaries and resources, coming soon. 
 

2025 Forum Recap 

Building on the momentum and success of the inaugural event, the 2025 Sustainability in the Classroom and Beyond forum welcomed 130 educators for another inspiring day of connection, reflection and professional learning. 

Participants described the experience as inspiring, rejuvenating and revitalising, with the program featuring engaging discussions, hands-on workshops, thought-provoking keynotes and opportunities to connect with passionate educators from across South Australia. 

The day opened with an immersive Welcome to Country led by Jade Brook from Third Camp. Proudly Kaurna, Narungga and Ngarrindjeri, Jade invited participants to slow down, listen deeply and reconnect with spirit, place and community. 

Her welcome set the tone for a day grounded in reflection, cultural connection and hope. 

 

Keynotes 

The 2025 keynote presentations encouraged educators to rethink systems, nurture student voice and embrace collaboration. 

Opening keynote speaker Peta White challenged participants to shift their thinking from isolated environmental issues to broader socio-ecological challenges. Her keynote encouraged educators to focus on systems thinking, collective responsibility and identifying meaningful areas of influence and action. 

Former Youth Environment Council of SA student and young environmental advocate Alice Parker inspired participants with a simple but powerful message: “Yes and…” Alice encouraged educators to support student curiosity and environmental leadership by not only saying “yes” to ideas, but actively helping students navigate the pathways to action and change. 

Closing keynote speaker Tom Linnell reinforced the importance of collaboration and connection through his message to “Be the Bee” — encouraging educators to share ideas, challenges and successes across schools and communities while remaining hopeful and curious. 

Together, the keynote presentations highlighted the power of hope, creativity, connection and collective action in sustainability education. 

 

Breakout Sessions 

The breakout sessions continued to showcase innovative educator practice across early years, primary and secondary settings. 

Sessions explored themes including:  

  • creativity and environmental awareness through the arts,  
  • place-based learning and climate resilience,  
  • reconnecting with nature in a digital age,  
  • embedding First Nations perspectives,  
  • circular economy practices in schools,  
  • student voice and sustainability pathways,  
  • and outdoor learning and play.  

The sessions encouraged educators to explore practical strategies that connect curriculum, culture, wellbeing and environmental action while strengthening relationships with community and Country. 

Once again environmental organisations including Nature Play SA, AAEE, SA Museum and Cleland Wildlife Park hosted displays and networking opportunities throughout the day. 

 

Key Takeaways 

The 2025 forum highlighted several important messages for educators: 

  • Sustainability education should empower and inspire action, not overwhelm.  
  • Student voice and agency are essential in creating meaningful environmental learning.  
  • Collaboration and professional networks strengthen educator impact.  
  • Place, culture and community connection deepen engagement and learning.  
  • Creativity, curiosity and outdoor learning foster environmental awareness and wellbeing.  

 

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Looking Ahead 

The Sustainability in the Classroom and Beyond forum has continued to strengthen a growing network of educators committed to sustainability education across South Australia. 

By creating opportunities for collaboration, reflection and professional learning, the forum continues to build educator capacity, celebrate innovative practice and inspire future generations to care for people, place and planet.