I started to integrate environmental education with various subjects — math, reading, science, physical education, art, music — and I could tell when I did that that it enhanced my students’ interest, and it fostered a deep connection to nature. I did get better results with all of my test scores, because that was an important part of my life as a teacher.
Mary Westlund
Associate Director MAEOE and
former elementary school teacher
Green Schools Overview
Maryland Green Schools empower students to practice environmental stewardship and reduce impact on our natural resources.
Since 1999, the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) has certified schools across the state that meet three main objectives in environmental education and action:
Objective 1: Systemic Sustainability
Environmental issue instruction across grades and subject areas.
10 % of staff participate in environmental professional development.
School wide environmental behavior change.
Systemic partnership with school district.
Objective 2: Student Action
Practice environmental stewardship through student action projects in various categories.
Objective 3: Community Partnerships
Meaningful relationships with community partners to encourage solutions to environmental problems.
The benefits of Maryland Green Schools are many. In addition to healthier and more resilient environments, Green Schools lead to increased academic achievement, improved physical and mental health, cost savings, civic engagement, and stronger communities.
Why Become a Maryland Green School? Flyer
Green School Environmental Impacts 2023-2024
Mobilize Frederick’s Growing Green: The Keys to 100%: Provides a rationale, examples and references for the benefits of environmental education and the Maryland Green Schools program.
Renewal applications are submitted every four years until a school reaches Sustainable Green School status (application 5 and beyond).
LEARN HOW TO
TIMELINE: Frederick County Public Schools and Maryland Green Schools
Click on the graphic above to enlarge it.
Green Schools to Green Communities: Working Together for a Sustainable Future video: At the Mobilize Frederick 2024 Climate Summit, the Green Schools panel consisting of students and teachers provided a good overview of the program. Click on the video above to view the panel's presentation on YouTube.
