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Creating Sustainability: From Initial Design,
to Implementation, to Next Steps
Room: 204
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Come learn from the journey of teachers and their administrator on how they implemented sustainability practices and initiatives with an environmental literacy focus at the elementary school level. The presentation will include initial design through assessment & planning by evaluating existing practices at the site, identifying goals, and forming a team to lead implementation. The talk will then continue through curriculum integration and standards-based alignment with environmental literacy standards and core content to increase student engagement. We will take a look at our process with project-based and experiential learning that will give attendees ideas on ready to implement strategies and action plans they can replicate back at their school sites. In this session, discussion will include monitoring and celebration the continual improvement to the site sustainability initiatives through a culture of environmental stewardship.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will identify clear, measurable goals for sustainability initiatives and how environmental literacy is embedded into various subjects such as math and science while using age-appropriate materials and activities.
- Session objectives also stress the involvement of community engagement to build awareness and partnerships for collaboration.
- Presenters will share their experiences with reviewing their practices, seeking feedback from stakeholders, and continue to encourage students to take leadership roles in implementation so attendees feel the system can be replicated in their own classroom or a school site.
- Presenters will share their experiences with reviewing their practices, seeking feedback from stakeholders, and continue to encourage students to take leadership roles in implementation so attendees feel the system can be replicated in their own classroom or a school site.
Speakers:
Amanda Sobremesana, Principal, Maple Elementary School/Fullerton School District
Christine Hervey-Murray, Teacher, Maple Elementary/Fullerton Elementary
Katherine Bezayiff, Teacher, Maple Elementary/Fullerton School District
Dr. Amanda Sobremesana is an accomplished educational professional with an extensive background in K-12 education, Higher Education, and Adult Learning. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Sobremesana has held various pivotal roles including teacher, curriculum specialist, K-12 district office math administrator, and preschool-8th grade principal. She currently serves as an elementary principal in Fullerton and supervisor for student teachers at Western Governors University.
During her tenure as a principal for an urban district in LA County, Dr. Sobremesana showcased her innovative leadership by spearheading transformative initiatives. She established a pioneering LEGO Robotics Lab for students in grades K-2, successfully implemented Project Lead the Way for students in grades 3-5, and designed an exceptional Middle School ESports and Computer Science Pathway.
Recognized for her exceptional work in social-emotional support for students, Dr. Sobremesana and her dedicated staff were honored with the prestigious 2022 California Pivotal Practice award. Furthermore, she was nominated for Administrator of the Year by the Black Student Achievement Department in her previous district, reflecting her unwavering commitment to equity and social justice for all student subgroups.
Christine Hervey-Murray is a highly skilled educator with over two decades of teaching experience at Maple School in the Fullerton School District.
Throughout her career, Christine has been involved in various school and district initiatives and committees, including technology integration, assessment, and professional learning. She has mentored new teachers and piloted programs in social science and English language development (ELD).
Christine holds a Masters degree in Teaching from Southern Oregon University and a Psychology degree from Western Oregon University.
Christine dreams that her students will experience the same joy she felt as a child, building tree forts in the forest and as an adult exploring the ocean’s waves. She hopes they develop a deep love for both land and sea, learning creativity, resilience, and peace from the natural world, just as she did growing up surrounded by its beauty.
Katie Bezayiff is a dedicated educator with over 11 years of experience, having taught in Gilroy, San Jose, and now in Fullerton. She has made a lasting impact as a PBIS coach, helping her school achieve Platinum status for its positive behavioral programs. Katie also pioneered the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program at Maple, successfully leading it for the past seven years.
Katie contributed to the development of the current initiatives and sustainability practices at her school, with a strong focus on environmental literacy at the elementary school level. Her efforts centered around project-based and experiential learning, collaborating with fellow teachers and administrators to create a hands-on, immersive educational experience for students.
Her work has earned her several accolades, including being named California League of Educators Region 11 Teacher of the Year, a top California finalist, and one of OC Parenting’s Top 20 Teachers in 2024.
Katie holds a psychology degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a master’s degree and teaching credential from the University of California, Irvine. She has a deep love for children’s literature, with the Harry Potter series and “Pickle Things” among her favorite books.