GESS Talks Webinar 36 - Making Schools Sustainable: Actionable Steps

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Our Speakers:

Chairperson: Dean Riley, Head of Education Expo City, Dubai

Dean is a seasoned Science educator with a background in Physics and extensive experience in senior leadership roles across the UAE. Graduating with honors in Physics with Space Science and Technology, he also holds a PGCE in Physics and an MBA in Educational Leadership. Dean has always been passionate about developing critical thinking in students and making science both fun and accessible. Since 2019, Dean has been instrumental in shaping the educational programs at Expo 2020 and Expo City Dubai and the development of the Expo School and University Programmes, exposing over 1.2 million students to cutting-edge technology and sustainability initiatives from around the world. Now, as Head of Education at Expo City Dubai, Dean and his team continue to create impactful learning experiences that inspire students, professionals, tourists and science enthusiasts to take action, foster innovation, and contribute to a sustainable future.

David Gerber, Head of Sustainability and Primary Vice Principal Fairgreen International School

David Gerber is a dynamic and visionary educational leader with over 13 years of experience in the International Baccalaureate (IB) system. Passionate about sustainability, innovation, and student empowerment, he has been instrumental in developing and implementing sustainability-focused educational strategies across multiple international schools. As the Head of Sustainability and Primary Vice Principal, David has led pioneering initiatives such as urban farming projects and student-driven environmental leadership structures, fostering a lasting culture of environmental advocacy within schools. Actively engaged in international educational communities, David continuously seeks collaboration, research, and dialogue to refine best practices, ensuring that sustainability and innovation remain at the forefront of education.

Edward Moore Primary School Teacher Green School Bali

Edward Moore has been at the forefront of environment and regenerative education for the last thirteen years. He is a Grade 2 Teacher at Green School Bali empowering pupils to become regenerative change makers. Edward has built up a Primary School's Eco work from a blank canvas to one of the top Eco Schools in the UK embedding the environment into the school's curriculum. He has led this school to win multiple national environment awards that include Eco Schools Primary Eco School of the Year, Surfers Against Sewage Schools Champion, Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Education Institution of the Year. He was 1 of 500 people to be named as a Coronation Champion for my Environmental work. Most recently he was announced as a Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) winner of Teacher of the Year Award.

Ana Romero Head of Sustainability Wellington College International

Ana Romero is a dynamic leader in sustainability and global education, igniting passion and action among students and staff alike. With a rich background spanning advising local governments in Latin America and collaborating with international NGOs, Ana brings a wealth of experience to her role as Head of Sustainability at Wellington College UK since 2014. In her multifaceted position, Ana spearheads initiatives to cultivate global skills, tackle climate change, and promote wellbeing. She fosters international partnerships and drives collaboration with organizations dedicated to shaping a sustainable future. Her work extends beyond the classroom, engaging students in transformative learning experiences and preparing them for dynamic careers in a rapidly evolving world. In 2023, Ana assumed the role of Head of Sustainability for Wellington College International, expanding her impact across schools in China, Thailand, Jakarta, and India. She also serves as an advisory board member for influential organizations such as Sustainability and Environmental Education (SEEd), (Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF), and the Global Education Benchmark Group (GEBG), leveraging her expertise to drive meaningful change on a global scale. Ana's journey began with a B.A. in International Politics from the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, followed by an M.Sc. in International Environmental Sciences from Lund University, Sweden.

Alan Smith Founder of Nature Wave, Sustainability Lead & STEAM Teacher Jebel Ali School

Alan Smith is the Founder of Nature Wave and Sustainability Lead and STEAM Teacher at Jebel Ali School, Dubai. At 'JAS', and through the social enterprise start-up he runs, Alan is driving a deeper connection with nature, for whole communities - driving positive sustainable behaviour changes and boosting wellbeing. He came to these roles having co-founded and worked for The Rock Pool Project in The UK, which also uses use innovative 'bioblitz' games and challenges to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with their local wildlife. His love for the natural world was born when he grew up by the beaches & countryside of Cornwall in the UK and led him to study Marine Biology at Swansea University, Wales. After working in travel and travel journalism, he eventually followed his parents' footsteps into education, completing a PGCE at Plymouth Marjon University. He's since taught in the UK, Thailand and the UAE, with a range of leadership roles. Alongside his passions for nature, teaching and entrepreneurism, Alan loves playing cricket and football, the drums and striving to get even closer to his dream of joining the Travelers' Century Club.