ClimeTime ESDs and Tribal Schools

ClimeTime ESDs and Tribal Schools is sponsored by Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Gonzaga Climate Institute Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) Pacific Education Institute Teaching for the Climate Collaborative Paschal Sherman Indian School Braided Education Consulting Cascadia Conservation District Snohomish Conservation District ClimeTime is facilitated by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) —in collaboration with the UW Institute for Science + Math Education—through a Washington State legislative proviso originally requested by Governor Jay Inslee of an annual $4 million investment that began in 2018-19 and continued as a $3 million investment in 2019-20.

Today, with OSPI managing the network, the grant funding flows through all nine Educational Service Districts (ESDs) in Washington, plus tribal and community-based organizations (CBOs). Together, we have launched programs for science teacher training, linking the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and climate science.

In addition to teacher professional development, the project supports the development of instructional materials, design-related assessment & evaluation strategies, and facilitates student events. Over the next five years, our goal is to weave climate education through all disciplines, not just science.

By combining climate education with other areas, students can deepen their understanding of the intricate part science plays in all facets of life, and how, no matter what studies they pursue, climate change can impact their futures.

ClimeTime provides teachers the opportunity to move learning from the classroom to the community, empowering students to move the needle on climate change by addressing the issues impacting their own futures. Additionally, ClimeTime has supported teacher learning around Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and increased access to high quality science instructional materials, like OpenSciEd.

In 2022, 100% of teacher participants agreed that participation in ClimeTime prepared them to try something new/different professionally. Since its establishment in 2018, ClimeTime has engaged teachers in professional learning to deepen their understanding of climate science and how to bring those lessons into their classrooms in impactful ways. In its first 5 years, ClimeTime has reached approximately 26,000 educators.

Collaboration & Relationship-Building ClimeTime brings together a unique collaboration of educational agencies, community-based organizations, and tribal schools and organizations to provide innovative approaches to climate education. ClimeTime has gained national recognition while staying locally relevant.

Abstract science becomes meaningful for both teachers and their students, allowing students to connect their learning to the climate issues within their own communities and develop solutions. Over 200 success stories have been shared by teachers that highlight how students across the state are learning hands-on about climate change and applying those lessons to the issues their own, diverse communities face.

ClimeTime is funded through a Washington State legislative proviso originally requested by Governor Jay Inslee for a $4 million investment that began in 2018-19. That grant has since grown in 2022-2023 to $5 million.