‘Involves students, takes an inspirational role and has an integral view of sustainability.’ These are some of the criteria a Sustainable Teacher must meet in the annual election organized by the Leren voor Morgen cooperation. In addition, the judging panel criteria read, the Sustainable Teacher provides students with perspective for action and is not only able to teach content related to sustainability but also to give students the opportunity to actively contribute to innovative solutions themselves.

One of the other things the judging panel, which consists of laureates, experts and students, will look at is whether the nominated teachers collaborate structurally and successfully with other parties, such as municipalities, local businesses and neighborhood residents. In addition to environmental aspects, social aspects of sustainability – such as equality and diversity – will also be factored into the election.

In the Sustainable Teacher election, the judging panel will select the most sustainable teacher from the nominees for each of the four levels of education (primary education, secondary education, vocational education and higher education). The four winners, who work tirelessly toward preparing the younger generation for the future every day, will be presented the award on March 14, 2024.

Role model

As of 2017, the Sustainable Teacher award has been presented every year. Last year was the first time it was awarded in the higher education category, to Rosa Groen of The Hague University of Applied Sciences to be exact. The aptly named teacher – ‘Groen’ means green – tries to structurally involve her students, among other things, in sustainable projects such as the Foodboost Challenge (more fruit and vegetables for children) and Land van Ons (more biodiversity). She also quit flying a few years ago, instead actively promoting train travel within Europe, which makes her a role model as well.

If you are or know a Sustainable Teacher, you can submit a nomination via the Sustainable Teacher website by 31 January.