This project is a teacher’s network involved in research with universities and the Open University to support education for sustainable development throughout London’s education providers.Approximately one quarter of all UK teachers are trained by London providers, hence through the multiplier effect, the potential is very great for influencing the orienting of not merely London but UK formal education towards sustainable development. Between them London TE providers work in partnership with the majority of London schools and there is an integral relationship between schools and HEIs around teacher education and training, through teacher mentors and school placements and training. Therefore potential synergy is very high. In addition, a large number of these beginning teachers do go on to teach in London schools but the possible influence is much wider and this may have potential for links with other UK RCE projects. London teachers have the potential to be key agents for change in addressing many of the issues of social cohesion and inequality which present one of the key challenges for sustainable development . The network will provide opportunities to learn, explore and practice strategies for social learning for SD.
The London network is also a part of the UK ESD teacher education network (which in turn is part of the Unesco Teacher Education network) so there will be many opportunities to share ideas, activities and to develop UK and wider synergy. The London RCE ESD TE network at present involves participants from 8 teacher education institutions in London and will aim to involve every London provider. The network will work closely with its key partner, the London Sustainable Schools Forum which has been very effective in engaging practising teachers and schools in ESD .