Growing Future-Ready Students: How Environmental Education Advances District Priorities
School leaders are frequently asked to do more with less. What if one approach could help advance multiple district priorities at once? Join the Superintendents' Environmental Education Collaborative and Project Learning Tree on Wednesday, August 19, at 3:00 PM ET to explore how environmental education can be leveraged as a unifying strategy to help districts achieve strategic goals.
Hear from education leaders and practitioners who are using environmental education to:
- Strengthen interdisciplinary teaching and learning across STEM, English language arts, social studies, and the arts.
- Cultivate positive youth development through authentic, hands-on learning experiences.
- Expand career exploration and workforce readiness by connecting students with high-demand careers in natural resources, sustainability, and beyond.
- Forge meaningful partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations that enrich student learning and strengthen local connections.
No district succeeds alone. Join a growing network of education leaders committed to preparing future-ready students through innovative partnerships, shared learning, and practical strategies you can adapt in your own schools and communities.
Contact Information: Megan Fink, NAAEE's Partnerships & Policy Manager, megan@naaee.org
Speakers:
Karen Cheser
Karen Cheser, Ed.D., is the proud Superintendent of Durango School District and was previously Superintendent of the Fort Thomas Schools in Kentucky. Her career in education is wide-ranging, serving in roles of teacher, coach, literacy and math specialist, principal, state Distinguished Educator, and district administrator.
Karen is a member of the 2022-23 Colorado Governor’s Fellowship, chairs the SW Colorado Education Collaborative, and serves on the Durango Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the LaPlata County Economic Development Alliance. She has been instrumental in bringing innovation, student agency, and a focus on future workforce to schools and communities through projects such as Durango’s Impact Career and Innovation Center, the SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab, the Ignite Institute, LEGO League Robotics, and the KY Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs.
Clark Seipt
As the first Director of Sustainability for Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), Clark leads design and implementation of sustainability planning for the district. She spearheaded development of the LCPS Sustainability Framework, approved in 2025, which is now regarded as the foundation for incorporating sustainability into LCPS instruction, operations and culture while also informing budget development. Clark firmly believes that school campuses are learning laboratories, and that school districts are uniquely positioned to model what they teach. Connecting student learning, voice and action to a district's built environment, operational practices and sustainability values is critical for long-term success. Come to Loudoun County and you’ll find Clark learning in local woods and waterways with LCPS students, designing and evaluating innovative pilot studies and nurturing partnerships with LCPS educators, administrators and community organizations. She holds an MS in Geography (Penn State), a BA in Environmental Science and Spanish (University of Virginia) and an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management (Georgetown). Clark resides in Purcellville, VA with her patient husband, amusing children, hairy dogs and fat cat.