Oregon Educators for Climate Education (OECE) is a statewide network advancing comprehensive climate education across all grade levels and subject areas. Our mission is to ensure equitable access to learning that is regionally relevant, solution-oriented, and hope-inspiring. We prioritize centering student voice, supporting professional learning, and building broad coalitions to advance a shared vision for climate education.
This grassroots movement began in 2020, sparked by students who wanted more than a few science lessons on climate change. They demanded education across subjects and grade levels that addressed local solutions and prepared them for the future. In June 2025, those voices, combined with an intergenerational coalition, led to landmark legislation requiring climate change and sustainability in Oregon’s K–12 Science, Social Studies, and Health standards.
OECE supports educators through summits, workshops, and communities of practice. Our three-pronged approach includes:
Teacher-driven resources that are vetted, regionally relevant, and grounded in strong pedagogy.
Place-based learning that reflects Oregon’s diverse regions and includes partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Cross-subject integration so climate literacy is embedded rather than treated as an add-on.
By collaborating with students, educators, regional partners, post-secondary institutions, and healthcare organizations, OECE is building a sustainable, statewide network to equip all Oregon students with the knowledge and skills to take climate action.
Mission
Oregon Educators for Climate Education (OECE) works to advance the integration of comprehensive, equitable, and high-quality climate education across all grade levels and core subject areas. We support and empower educators statewide to deliver regionally relevant, hope-inspiring, and solution-oriented climate learning that prepares all Oregon students to understand and respond to a changing world.
Vision
We envision an Oregon where every student—regardless of location or background—has access to meaningful climate education that reflects local contexts, centers equity, and fosters curiosity, resilience, and collective action toward a just and sustainable future.
1. Equitable Access & Inclusion
Ensure all Oregon students—across geographic regions, cultures, languages, and learning contexts—have access to high-quality climate education. OECE centers equity by uplifting underserved communities, honoring Indigenous knowledge systems, and addressing climate justice throughout teaching and learning.
2. Educator Empowerment & Professional Learning
Support educators with professional development, resources, and networks that build confidence and capacity to teach climate concepts across grade levels and subject areas. OECE fosters collaboration, leadership, and shared learning among educators statewide.
3. Integrated & Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Advance the integration of climate education into core subject areas, emphasizing interdisciplinary connections that align with state standards. OECE promotes curricular integration of high quality teaching materials that are academically rigorous, developmentally appropriate, and embedded within everyday teaching and learning.
4. Place-Based & Regionally Relevant Learning
Champion climate education grounded in Oregon’s diverse ecosystems, economies, and communities. OECE elevates place-based learning that helps students understand local climate impacts, solutions, and stewardship opportunities.
5. Hope-Centered, Solution-Oriented Action
Promote learning experiences that emphasize agency, problem-solving, and collective action. OECE prioritizes climate education that inspires hope, builds resilience, and empowers students to participate in creating just and sustainable futures.