CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF TEACHER EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Teacher education plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development by training teachers to make available for them the knowledge, values, attitudes and skills required for addressing present-day global issues. As education is viewed as a significant promoter of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4.7, educational institutions are increasingly asked to include sustainable development principles in their curricula, teaching methods and professional activities. This chapter discusses the concept, scope and importance of Teacher Education for Sustainable Development (TESD) which is aimed at fostering environmentally responsible, socially just and economically sustainable societies. It considers the competencies that educators must possess, innovative ways of teaching, curriculum integration, policy initiatives and modern practices that encourage Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The chapter also points out the issues related to the implementation of sustainability-based education including insufficient institutional capacity, low professionalism of educators and insufficient development of policies. Besides, it discusses the prospects of introducing innovative learning, digital technologies, interdisciplinary approach and continuous professional development.