An Immersive Urban Sustainability Education Program for Aruban Pre-Service Teachers
Since 2015, the NYU Wallerstein Collaborative at NYU Steinhardt has hosted the Aruba Sustainability Education Program, welcoming 32 pre-service elementary teachers and 6 professors from the Instituto Pedagogico Arubano.
This month-long immersive program in urban sustainability education is designed with an experiential and place-based framework, combining visits to NYU classes, public schools, cultural institutions, and environmental organizations.
Our program provides Aruban pre-service teachers with a comprehensive understanding of New York City’s education system and diverse perspectives on teaching and learning. The NYU Wallerstein Collaborative plays a central role, offering sustainability workshops and environmental education modules. Highlights of the program include engaging with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), learning about the United Nations' initiatives, and exploring non-formal education in parks and botanical gardens.
Outcomes:
- Promoted environmental literacy, sustainability, and cross-cultural learning between NYU and IPA students.
- Established a partnership between NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development and Aruba (2015 - 2022).
- Facilitated faculty exchange programs.
