Teacher Training
86% of teachers support climate education, but most have never been trained to teach it.
The Issue
Teachers Aren’t Trained in Climate Education
Despite growing public concern about climate change, most U.S. teachers have not received formal training in climate science. A 2016 study found that fewer than half of all teachers had any formal coursework, even a single lecture, on climate change. Many educators feel unprepared or uncomfortable teaching the topic, often due to political pressure, lack of resources, or gaps in their own education.
Even when climate change is mentioned in classrooms, it’s often limited to one or two hours per academic year, leaving students without the depth of understanding needed to take meaningful action. This lack of comprehensive climate education contributes to a generation of students who feel anxious about the future but don’t know how to respond.
Teachers are eager to do more: 86% support climate education in schools, but they need support, training, and curriculum-aligned resources to make it happen.
Our Approach
Climate Education That Starts With Teachers
Waterfront Alliance’s Teacher Training Program is a CTLE-certified initiative that provides hands-on, interdisciplinary training for educators across New York City. Our full-day workshops, virtual supplemental teacher trainings, one-on-one support, and field labs help teachers:
- Understand the science behind climate change and coastal resilience
- Integrate climate topics into existing curricula for grades 4–12
- Use our Estuary Explorers lesson plans and resources
- Lead students in field-based learning at local waterfronts
- Earn 4 CTLE credits while building confidence and community
We’ve trained educators from over 10 schools, reaching more than 1,500 students in the 2024–2025 school year. Our program is expanding to include webinars, new lesson plans, and a companion workbook focused on climate and waterfront access.
To support career readiness, educators also receive access to the Blue Green Career Guide – a resource developed by Waterfront Alliance to help students explore intersectional careers in science, technology, education, art, architecture, design, activism, policy, and preparedness. The guide maps out pathways, skills, and opportunities for students to pursue meaningful work in climate resilience and environmental justice.
By investing in teachers, we’re building a foundation for climate-literate, resilient communities — starting in the classroom.
Estuary Explorers Report 2024-2025
Estuary Explorers was founded to educate youth in the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary through our waterfront-based field labs. The program has expanded to offer a wide range of remote learning activities, including our new Waterfront Alliance coloring book.
Green and Blue Career Guide
A step-by-step guide to professional growth in green and blue industries. This guide is for young people who care about their communities and the planet, especially high school students who are starting to think about their future. Whether you 're dreaming about college, considering a trade, or unsure of your next steps, this guide is here to help you explore meaningful careers that make a real difference.
