School of Environmental Leadership an inspirational accomplishment – Marin Independent Journal

These days are filled with negative news and despair, so shining rays of light are particularly welcome. Marin County school leaders are not likely to be interested in many inspiring discoveries.

Terra Linda Highs Marin School of Environmental Leadership, is a prime example.

MarinSEL was started in 2010 by Cyane and a group local parents, while their children were still in middle school. They saw an opportunity for environmental literacy and leadership in the classroom.

She believes in public education and met with Terra Linda High School principal to discuss the possibility of piloting this program. The emphasis will be on community service and project-based learning.

Each year, the program welcomes between 30-33 freshmen. The students stay with their cohorts for the four years. Every year, the number students applying has increased. The number of available spots has nearly tripled in recent years. Every student who submits an application is invited to Exploration Day. This day staff observe students’ interactions with peers through various activities, interviews, case studies, and other projects.

All acceptances are made together as a staff. Diversity of race, gender, socio-economicstatus, personality type and personal interests are highly valued.This screening process results in a group of students who are, in many ways, exceptional in their interest in climate change related learning and action.

Leadership and the environment are the key elements of this program. These are integrated into all content areas and classes. However, students have the option to choose electives such advanced placement classes. Students take five MarinSEL classes in their first year, three as sophomores and three as juniors, and two as seniors.

Students in ninth and tenth grades take environmental leadership seminars. They work on semester-long projects with program partners from companies, groups, and non-profits in the community.

Junior year students enroll in an environmental business course that helps them incorporate sustainability and social equity into their business operations. Seniors finish the program by completing a one-year internship with community partners.

I was impressed by the passion, leadership and dedication of the students after speaking with Ray McClintock and other faculty members.

The amazing student blogs at thesel.org give you a glimpse of the student leaders.

SEL is currently involved in an exciting project. Six students, including Emilee Rosestein, my key contact are working with McClintocks on a project to bring youth perspectives to environmental and climatic problems and solutions. The goal of the event is to generate policy-related actions across the county regarding the most damaging issue students have identified.

Surveys were sent out to students at high schools in Marin. This includes the Tamalpais Union high schools in San Rafael and Novato, Marin Academy and Marin Catholic. They have received approximately 500 responses so far from San Rafael High School, Terra Linda High School, Marin Academy, Tamalpais High and Marin Academy.

This survey was sent to find out what high school students think the most pressing issue in climate change. Students believe that climate change is caused by greenhouse gases and emissions from transportation.
They plan to host the countywide event in April to achieve their goal of networking with climate change activists and developing common goals derived from this survey.