British International School Teacher Recognized by United Nations

“There are things that everyone can do to make a change.”-Anna Bennett
    
At British International School of Houston, teachers strive to organize lessons in math, science, and humanities to have the content reface the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This past week, British International School of Houston celebrated their IB geography teacher, Anna Bennett’s, recognition by the UN involving some of the most important SDGs. Bennett was accredited by the United Nations as a Climate Change Teacher. The process of receiving a recognition required tireless dedication; however, it was well worth the award. I was able to sit down with Ms. Bennett and ask her a couple of questions regarding her outstanding achievement.
    
What does it mean to be Climate Change Teacher in regards to the United Nations?

Anna Bennett: “As a teacher, it is very important to keep up with my subject knowledge. Climate change is something that has been put to the forefront of every student’s understanding. An organization called Harwood Education has partnered up with the United Nations to create extra courses that provide teachers with in-depth knowledge of climate change issues. This [these courses] will enable us [teachers] to teach our students about the importance of climate change. Ultimately, our students will be the leaders of the future who will have to act on it [climate change] and deal with its issues.”
    
How did you feel when you received the recognition from the UN?

Bennett: “Good. It was quite hard work to get the certification. Some of the questions involved in the process were relatively straightforward, as I am a geography teacher; however, some of the questions were very difficult and revolved around certain laws that the UN is trying to enact. I was pretty relieved when I got it!”
    
As quoted in the article published by British International School of Houston regarding your recognition, “Climate Change teachers are able to encourage and generate social innovation and prepare today’s youth to protect the planet.” How would you describe yourself as a social innovator in regards to sustainability of the planet?

Bennett: “In terms of our school, we have an annual program called “The Global Challenge.” The program allows students to travel to the United Nations and speak to world leaders about issues within the world. I encourage students to do related projects, such as composting [projects], border issues, etc. I have been a teacher who tries to lay the resources in place for students so that they can act out these projects. Additionally, in our lower school, we teach the UN Sustainable Development Goals as part of the key learner focus. This helps students to become aware of world issues and the solutions. We try to show that there are things that everyone can do to make a change.”
    
What are your future goals now that you have been named an UN accredited Climate Change Teacher?

Bennett: “I would like to raise awareness for climate change issues within our school. Climate change is going to happen, and it’s now about how we can make the small steps to limit the worst aspects happening.”

As one can see, climate change is only a distant news topic until teachers like Anna Bennett turn the real concern of climate change into interesting advocacy points for students to understand. Congratulations to Mrs. Bennett for her prestigious recognition from the United Nations!