BLAKE Inspire for Teachers 2019

September 2019 saw the launch of BLAKE Inspire for Teachers – a programme designed for New Zealand primary and intermediate teachers who want to develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and the ability to translate the experience to their students to encourage environmental action.

Throughout the week, 29 teachers took part in experiential learning opportunities, including practical science and marine activities and meeting with tangata whenua to hear about Mātauranga Māori and how environmental issues impact the lives of local iwi. They visited Air New Zealand, Genesis and Villa Maria to see how these businesses are reducing their impact on the environment, and toured pest-free Tiritiri Matangi Island to understand the effort required to override human impacts.

Delegates come away from the programme with practical ways to understand and teach environmental issues across all subjects and learn how to create action plans to increase emphasis on conservation and sustainability within their schools.

“It was an eye-opening experience where I learnt so many things about things I ‘thought’ I knew about, but not to the extent. I want to learn more and teach more about different parts about environment beyond what I always considered was important.”

– BLAKE Inspire for Teachers 2019 delegate.