Over the years, many kind people have said some lovely things about our work. Here is a sampling of GreenHeart Education testimonials to help you decide how we can assist you in meeting your goal of greening the heart of education.
"This workshop was unique. I was involved very much, and it helped me look at the school I am representing and [commit] to start doing something in my school."
"This is a new outlook on education. I never used to think like this, but it's simple and it covers everything."
"The workshop has challenged us to work and save our future."
"The workshop was nice. Schools really need to adopt such principles, so that the entire schooling system starts greening."
— Participants in Greening the Heart of Education, a professional development workshop developed by GreenHeart Education
for Eco-Ethics International Union - Ethiopia Chapter
Testimonials and Thanks
Greening the Heart of Education Workshop, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tamrat Seyoum Belachew, Chair, Eco-Ethics International Union - Ethiopia Chapter, Addis Ababa
For the teachers in the Greening the Heart of Education workshop, all of the activities were so interesting. They especially liked the fun-like activities (songs, collecting nature's gifts, outdoor group work). The green paper heart activity [see photo above] helped them get to know each other and their reasons for attending. The "human web" and interconnectedness activity was very exciting for everyone, and everybody agreed that climate change has affected each and every one's life.
After the presentations and different activities, especially after the audit, the participants concluded that greening these three dimensions of education is possible and very crucial. For almost all of them, working on greening their own and their schools' behavior and attitudes was the most important one. This part of the discussion was very burning.
As individual teachers, they underlined that every colleague should go through such an eye-opening workshop. It changed the mentality of many teachers and school principals because it deals with "the real issues" of schools. They also suggested that this concept should be delivered to educational authorities. Teachers can make a difference if they are given the opportunity to green the heart of education with their full potential.
Audrey Aamodt, Program Manager, Little Green Thumbs
I am so thankful that you were able to be with us for the last few days. Thank you for sharing your insight, your excitement and your contagious energy — your (green) heart. You certainly have inspired me through your ways of being and knowing. Especially thank you for the meaningful ways you tied your important messages of hope and action to our context. Much gratitude.
Toby Dubin, Host and Co-chair of Green Committee, Westowne Elementary School, Baltimore, Maryland
Julie Johnston presented an hour-long virtual workshop entitled Greening the Heart of Education Through Courage and Compassion to about 50 staff members. Using videoconferencing for professional development was certainly attention grabbing.
Julie was able to express the dire need for greener education without using scare tactics. She maintained this type of positive message throughout the presentation. She addressed how to incorporate greening our curriculum through multiple grade levels in order to maintain relevance for everyone, and intertwined small group hands-on activities that emphasized a key point while keeping the interest of the participants.
Julie presented "tools" and practical applications for greening education today. She used data as well as historical quotes as support. Julie even made sure to research our school's green initiatives in order to include them in her presentation.
Following the workshop, I overheard many colleagues talking about some of the ideas that were presented and how they were planning to implement them into their classrooms. I had colleagues come up to me to tell me how much they enjoyed the webinar and to inquire about how I found Julie, because she was so knowledgeable and perfect for this type of learning experience.
I would highly recommend Julie for any type of professional development for a school that is already green and/or wants to be greener. She is passionate about sustainable development learning and it is contagious after seeing her presentation.
Elizabeth Getsinger, Co-chair of Green Committee, Westowne Elementary School, Baltimore, Maryland
I'm so happy that we had Julie Johnston present to our staff. Julie is very passionate about sustainability education. Because she tailored her presentation to our school, she suggested many ideas that could realistically be implemented here. I particularly loved the idea of having a school orchard, more plants in the classroom, an idle-free zone in our parking lot, and a walking school bus. I also love that she made us remember how important it is to take our students outside into nature to play and learn.
I'm co-chair of our green committee at school so it's my job to try to get as many people to take part in the green revolution as possible. Sometimes I feel down and like I'm spinning my wheels because teachers don't seem to have the time to think and be green when they are so swamped with other responsibilities. Julie reminded me that we are being green to save our planet from global warming and climate change and that it's our job to instill a love of nature into our students so that they will continue to do good work when they leave school. She reminded me that I have no choice but to do the best I can to help our planet. She reminded me that there is power in just being a role model.
"GreenHeart is a fabulous website. I love all the quotes about the Great Story, or the Epic of Evolution." (John Gust, author of Adventures in Fantasy and other books)
"I love your website, and I will definitely point people to it." (Anne Shaw, Director, 21st Century Schools, Austin, Texas)
"This is the second time I have read your website and am struck again with how much you 'nailed' the essence of greening education. It does start from the heart, with the emotions of love and happiness, feeling part of nature. It is as if I am reading my own thoughts on your site. I also think you are unique in your concepts of greening the curriculum." (Petra Evers, artist and author, The Little Greenies)