TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) announced today the creation of the first-of-its-kind Office of Climate Change Education. The office is part of the NJDOE’s Office of Innovation and aims to advance climate literacy among students and educators statewide.

Sarah Sterling-Laldee has been appointed as Senior Climate Change Education Advisor to lead the Office. The new office will support New Jersey schools in the integration of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for Climate Change Education. It will work closely with teachers and stakeholders to offer professional development, technical assistance, and resources.

Governor Murphy highlighted the importance of education in tackling climate change. First Lady Tammy Murphy emphasized the future job opportunities in the green economy that climate education would unlock for students. Various other commissioners expressed their support and commitment to make climate science accessible and actionable.

Sarah Sterling-Laldee brings 21 years of educational experience to the role, having served in the Paterson and New Brunswick Public Schools. She is an alumnus of NYU’s Environmental Conservation Education program and has focused on climate resiliency, community improvement, equity, and student agency.

The office will be funded by a $5 million allocation from the state budget for the fiscal year 2023, with an additional $5 million earmarked for the fiscal year 2024. These funds will be distributed to schools through targeted grants to encourage innovative approaches to climate education.

With this initiative, New Jersey continues to lead in integrating climate change education into the school curriculum, aiming to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of a changing climate.

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