Learning for Sustainability (LfS) in ITE

The LfS in ITE network includes colleagues from each of the 11 Higher Education Institutions in Scotland who provide ITE, Learning for Sustainability Scotland and the General Teaching Council for Scotland. Since 2023, the work of the network, supported by Education Scotland, has focused on developing a national framework for LfS in ITE, as part of Scottish Government’s ‘Target 2030’ Action Plan.

If you wish to engage with the work of the network, please contact Professor Lizzie Rushton by email: lizzie.rushton@stir.ac.uk

The LfS in ITE network aims to support higher education institutions, in partnership with schools, to develop and enhance LfS across initial teacher education such that all teachers are equipped to realise LfS as an entitlement for children and young people, from the outset of teachers’ professional lives.

The work of the LfS in ITE network draws on the expertise from colleagues across the 11 Higher Education Institutions in Scotland which provide ITE and is lead by a core group including:

Group core membership

Professor Lizzie Rushton, University of Stirling and SCDE lead for LfS

Suzy Aldous, General Teaching Council for Scotland

Dr Beth Christie, Learning for Sustainability Scotland and University of Edinburgh

Betsy King, Learning for Sustainability Scotland

Kirsten Leask, Learning for Sustainability Scotland

Dr Claire Ramjan, University of Glasgow

The LfS in ITE network meets regularly in-person and online to share experiences and expertise focused on Learning for Sustainability and to exchange insights developed from emerging research and practice.

To date, this has focused on co-creating A National Framework for LfS in ITE and subsequently, the framework will provide an important stimulus to reflect on current practice and identify opportunities to enhance teaching, learning and research focused on LfS.

This framework has been developed through collaborative partnership. During 2023-2024, this has involved phases of discussion, reflection and consultation, drawing on the expertise and perspectives of teacher educators, teachers, school mentors, young people. This work has been supported by the Scottish Council of Deans of Education, Education Scotland, The General Teaching Council for Scotland, Learning for Sustainability Scotland and all eleven Scottish Higher Education Institutions which provide ITE.

View the Framework

The framework was officially launched at an online event in April 2025.

Over the course of 2025, the framework will be explored across a range of events including:

BERA 2025 Conference
SERA 2025 Conference

The LfS in ITE network will continue to provide a supportive community of practice for all those engaged in LfS and ITE – more details on events and initiatives will be shared soon.

Useful links

A National Framework for LfS in ITE

Why sustainability is key for student teachers in Scotland | Tes

Learning for Sustainability Scotland

General Teaching Council for Scotland

Education Scotland