Green Job Pathways

Teachers Gear Up for Another Summer of YESS

Teachers attending a Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS) program workshop in May had an energizing start to their first day when an Emmy Award-winning geologist provided the keynote address.
 
Central Washington University professor Nick Zentner, host of the ‘Nick on the Rocks’ PBS-TV geology series, provided a broad context of geology in Washington and how it relates to natural resource careers and the work that’s occurring in different areas before facilitating an activity based on different geologic periods in Washington State. As one teacher put it, "It was an honor to listen to Nick share his knowledge and wisdom with our group. I could not imagine a better way to start our two days of training."
 
The workshop prepared teachers who will be leading YESS programs in 2026 with resources and strategies to strengthen student educational and career preparation outcomes. Nearly all teachers had done at least one previous YESS program, while several had run three or four.

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Agriculture & Natural Resources Education

Forest as a Classroom: Teachers and Industry Professionals Connect in Yacolt Burn State Forest

Tricia Goode has heard the message before: find community partners to supplement your classroom instruction. Often, it comes with no practical tips on where to look or how to get started. Fortunately, during a Forest as a Classroom Workshop in Yacolt Burn Forest this May, she found herself surrounded by industry experts and was able to put that recommendation into practice.
 
“I’m very excited to make these connections with forestry professionals,” says Goode, a science teacher at McLoughlin Middle School in Vancouver. “My students are in a very urban school and don’t have many opportunities to get outside. I’m trying to grow that connection to nature.” 
 
Goode and eleven other Southwest Washington educators attended a Forest as a Classroom workshop in Yacolt Burn State Forest on May 19. Participants spent a full day visiting working forest sites, learning about forest management and experiencing forest education lessons and activities. PEI’s Lower Columbia FieldSTEM Coordinator Emily Newman and Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Youth Education & Outreach Program Regional Coordinator Kelly Sullivan co-facilitated the course, which included multiple partners representing various aspects of forest management. 

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Careers at PEI

Exciting Leadership Opportunity

As you may be aware, Pacific Education Institute is seeking its next visionary leader. We would greatly appreciate your assistance in spreading the word about this exciting opportunity. The position profile is linked here. 

We are partnering with Chris Cannon and Ed Rogan at the Valtas Group and anyone interested in the role or who may have questions or referrals are welcome to contact Chris or Ed ( [email protected]; [email protected]). The ideal candidate brings strategic vision, fundraising prowess, and a deep commitment to supporting our mission.
 
Thank you for your support – we appreciate your help in finding the perfect candidate.
 

We’ve added additional spots for this course starting June 1, with access through June 24.
Register today! 

Tools & Tips for Teachers

Subtitle: Solutions-Oriented Learning Storylines (SOLS)

Start planning for next year with PEI’s Solutions Oriented Learning Storylines (SOLS), which help students explore climate change through a solutions-oriented lens. Find a grade-band appropriate SOLS and get started with topics like coastal hazards, forests food waste, urban and community forestry, regenerative agriculture, solar energy, wetlands and wildfires.

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Upcoming Events 

  With Gratitude

Thank you, May investors!