Education for Sustainable Development in Teacher Education: What Could Universities Offer?.

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is increasingly recognized as essential for training future teachers to address the urgent ecological, social, and economic challenges of our time. This essay examines the importance of integrating ESD into teacher education programs, arguing that it is crucial for cultivating environmentally literate and socially responsible citizens. The integration of ESD faces various obstacles, including a lack of institutional leadership, misunderstandings about the role of ESD, and fragmented approaches within education faculties. The goals of ESD in teacher education are to enhance environmental literacy, promote interdisciplinary teaching, foster a sense of agency among students, and support the implementation of sustainability-focused curricula. By equipping teachers with comprehensive ecological knowledge, teachers can inspire students to appreciate and protect the environment and engage in sustainable practices. Furthermore, the multimodal implementation of ESD, such as across curriculum areas, as a dedicated core subject, as part of existing subjects, and through elective offerings, allows for a broader and more impactful understanding of sustainability. Each ap- proach offers unique strategies for integrating sustainability into education, encouraging critical thinking and active participation of students. Ultimately, investing in ESD in teacher education not only equips future teachers with essential knowledge and skills but also promotes a culture of sustainability within educational systems. By preparing teach- ers to embrace sustainability principles, we are able to cultivate a generation ready to assume environmental and social responsibilities, thereby ensuring a healthier planet and a more sustainable society for future generations. As such, one of the main tasks of the teff project was to explore the university offerings for ESD in teacher education.