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In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers. —Mister Rogers
Dear Friends,
Our 53rd Annual International Conference and 21st Annual Research Symposium in Pittsburgh was a pivotal moment for environmental education. With over 1,100 attendees from more than 30 countries, we demonstrated the global power of our movement—a diverse, committed community united by a shared vision of a better, more just, and sustainable future.
This year's theme, "Building Bridges," came to life through:
- More than 400 thought-provoking sessions and posters exploring all aspects of environmental education, sustainability, and justice
- Inspiring keynotes from leaders like Michelle King, who talked about finding our way home with creativity and thoughtfulness; Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, who shared lessons on kindness and curiosity inspired by Mister Rogers; and Vik Mohan, who talked about the importance of taking care of ourselves as we take care of others
- A timely and uplifting focus on education and conservation with IUCN and the Jane Goodall Institute
- The launch of our new podcast, The World We Want: The NAAEE Podcast
- The premier of In Our Nature, a groundbreaking documentary from talented filmmaker James Parker about the power of education and nature and how educators are natural bridge builders to strengthen communities
- Dozens of special meetings, receptions, and workshops, including the Global Environmental Education Partnership, our Affiliates, our CEE-Change Fellows, our eePRO groups, EPOC, QEEN, EE 30 Under 30, eeBLUE, and many more
- Launching our newest addition to the Guidelines for Excellence series focused on climate action and justice and so much more
None of this would have been possible without the dedication and passion of so many people. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our fantastic staff, board, and advisory council members, with a special call-out to Lori Mann and the entire conference planning team. I also want to thank our sponsors, whose support helped with all aspects of the conference, including providing more than 190 scholarships bringing a wealth of new perspectives to our work. Thanks also to our incredible co-chairs: Marijke Hecht and Kathayoon Khalil for the Research Symposium, and Julie Travaglini and Taiji Nelson for the conference. And a heartfelt thanks to all who donated to our raffle, including Esther Cowles, a brilliant consultant who made a generous contribution, and whose expertise strengthens many of our initiatives. Making a conference happen is a shared labor of love and it can’t happen without the collective energy of so many.
One of the most inspiring moments of the conference is our awards luncheon, celebrating the incredible talent and dedication within our field. We extend heartfelt congratulations to all our award recipients, including Sue McGuire, recipient of the well-deserved Jeske Award—NAAEE’s highest honor given for service to NAAEE and leadership in the field—and Audrey Peterman who was honored with the NAAEE Lifetime Leadership Award for her tireless work to advance justice, conservation, and education. Learn more about all of this year’s exceptional honorees on our website.
The week also challenged us to reflect deeply on our collective path forward. In a time of political uncertainty, NAAEE stands resolute: our commitment to educational excellence, scientific integrity, justice and inclusion, and environmental protection transcends partisan boundaries. We are educators first—dedicated to creating informed, engaged global citizens capable of addressing complex global challenges. As Costa Rican diplomat Christiana Figueres powerfully noted: Systems change starts with each of us. We are the authors of humanity's next chapter of humanity.
One thing is clear: environmental education has never been more essential. Together, we have the power to bridge divides, deepen understanding, and inspire meaningful action. We invite you to continue this journey with us—share your insights, engage with our vibrant community, and remember that even the smallest steps can create ripples of change across the globe.
Finally, in the spirit of self-care and sustainability, I leave you with this reminder from Anne Lamott: Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you. Please take time for yourself so you can continue to do the essential work that you do.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with hope, rest, and the magic of discovery all around you.
With determination and gratitude,
Judy Braus
Executive Director, NAAEE
Over every mountain, there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley. —Theodore Roethke
