A Nationwide Network of Catalyst Partners

Green Schools National Network (GSNN) works with educators, government and non-governmental organizations and agencies, and private partners to create broad-based initiatives and successful strategies aimed at fostering healthy, sustainable K-12 schools across the United States. Founded in 2008 by principals, superintendents, and teachers, GSNN is devoted to accelerating student achievement through the implementation of green, healthy, and sustainable practices as outlined in our GreenPrint® for green, healthy, and sustainable schools.

GSNN is building a nationwide network of Catalyst Partners to serve as replication hubs, places where educators, students, and school leaders can go to learn from their peers and return home to implement some or all of the best practices they experienced.

"The Catalyst Network brings together pioneers and thought leaders in the movement to provide space for incubating replication hubs across the country.”

–Tim Baird, Superintendent (retired), Encinitas Union School District 

The power of the Catalyst Network lies in the community of practice among our Accelerator and Transition partners. GSNN knows from research and experience that educators learn best from other educators. The Catalyst Network creates opportunities for partners to learn from and support each other as they blaze new pathways to prepare students as leaders for a healthy, sustainable future. Two ways Catalyst Partners operationalize best practices are:

• Sustainable facilities design, operation, and management that reduces environmental impact and operating costs; 
• Programs and buildings that enhance the health and well-being of students and staff

Shaw Contract is proud to support the Green Schools National Network as a sponsor to ensure every student learns in a green, healthy, and sustainable school. Michelle Carpenter, Director of Education for Shaw Contract, also supports through participation on the network’s Board of Directors, a group of sustainability advocates and donut-connoisseurs.

This group of individuals each has their motivation for moving this important work forward, but while together in 2019 we all found connection through the following poem, and hope that you will too. 

If you are planning ahead 1 year, plant a seed.
If you are planning ahead 10 years, plant a tree.
If you are planning ahead 100 years, educate the people.
Hung Hsu, Chinese Poet, 500 BC

Learn more about the work that GSNN is doing and how you can get involved here.