In-Person Fellowship

Wendy Litherland is a UK‑based sustainability education leader with over 20 years’ experience in schools.

She is Director of Sustainability at St Christopher’s CE High School and works nationally through initiatives including Sustainability Learning CIC, whilst heading up the Education for Solar for Schools, helping schools turn buildings, curriculum, and community partnerships into powerful drivers of energy literacy, sustainability and student agency.

I am a second-grade teacher and Instructional Lead in New York City.

I’m passionate about building strong readers through meaningful, real-world learning experiences that promote independence and critical thinking.

I focus on designing practical, student-centered systems that support both literacy growth and long-term academic success.

Experienced educator with 22 years of teaching, currently inspiring 6th grade students in science and social studies. Prior to entering education, built a foundation in public relations, bringing strong communication and organizational skills into the classroom.

Contributed to the development of New York State assessments in Albany, demonstrating a commitment to educational excellence beyond the classroom.

Since 2017, has served as a Summer STEAM Director and has successfully led school-wide STEAM Night events for the past four years, fostering hands-on, engaging learning experiences for students and families. Dedicated to whole-child education and creating meaningful, interactive opportunities for student growth.

Outside of school, is married with a 26-year-old daughter and has a passion for animals, caring for a variety of class pets including rats, chicks, fish, a bearded dragon, and a ferret.

Leslie Gesek earned her MS in Elementary Education from Syracuse University. She has been teaching at East Syracuse Elementary in the East Syracuse Minoa School District for 26 years.

She currently teaches third grade. She has been a Co-Chairperson of the school Science and Engineering Fair for 26 years, coordinating, facilitating and organizing the judging process while training the judges. She is also the founder and Co-Chairperson of the Rocket Club and a PLT Leader for grade 3.

Mrs. Gesek is a life-long learner and strong advocate for STEM learning at the elementary level, especially for girls. She believes that STEM education begins in the elementary classroom in order to generate enthusiasm and interest while planting the seeds for our future STEM leaders.

Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Gesek can often be found trying out new recipes, volunteering at a local dog rescue or reading a good book. She likes to spend time with her husband and their five children. Mrs. Gesek is looking forward to collaborating with other elementary teachers from the US and UK to learn more energy literacy.

With over 26 years in education, I’ve spent my life nurturing curious minds and encouraging young hearts to dream big.

I’m endlessly inspired by the wonder of childhood and deeply passionate about shaping a future where the next generation thrives with purpose and possibility.

When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me wandering through nature, traveling to new places, or soaking in the beauty of different cultures.

I believe that every walk in the woods, every shared family moment, and every new horizon holds a lesson waiting to be discovered.

At my core, I’m a storyteller, an explorer, and an advocate for sustainability—because when we inspire children to care for the world around them, we give them a future filled with adventure, hope, and endless potential.

Sivney is a Primary PGCE student at UCL specialising in SEND, with an arts specialism and a strong interest in inclusive and creative approaches to teaching.

He has a background in fine art, having graduated from UAL Central Saint Martins, and has worked with organisations including Serpentine Galleries and Cambridge Curiosity and Imagination.

These experiences have shaped his interdisciplinary approach, using creativity to support engagement, confidence, and accessibility for all learners. His interest in SEND is informed by personal experience, which has shaped his commitment to inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Ana Del Pico is a first-grade teacher from Brockton, Massachusetts, with 27 years of experience in public education.

A mother of two and lifelong learner, Ana is passionate about bringing hands-on, meaningful learning experiences to her young students.

She integrates energy, sustainability, and STEM concepts into her classroom through daily weather observations, recycling initiatives, and creative upcycling projects.

Ana is excited to deepen her knowledge through the National Grid Energy Literacy Fellowship and share innovative approaches with her students and colleagues.

Hello, I’m Miss Ellis, a primary school teacher who loves helping children explore the world around them. I’m passionate about nature, sustainability, and inspiring young learners to care for our planet.

I’m really excited to be part of Earth Cubs and support children on their environmental journey!

Hi! I’m Hannah Wallant, a third grade English Language Learner (ELL) teacher at Brockton Public Schools. I love turning my classroom into a space where every student feels seen, supported, and excited to learn.

I work with amazing multilingual learners and use hands-on, interactive lessons to make learning (especially science) fun and accessible, no matter what language you speak.

I’m passionate about building confidence, celebrating different cultures, and helping my students realize just how capable they are.

I am a fifth grade teacher at the Captain Samuel Brown School in Peabody, Massachusetts since 2004.

My subject are Science, Social Studies, and Writing and I love finding ways to combine these in my lessons.

I also run an extra curricular group, the Enviromental Eagles, who work on sustainability projects in our school.

I have 13 years of teaching experience in urban school settings across Connecticut, New York City, Boston, and Albany, New York.

I have taught second, fourth, and fifth grades, with the majority of my career focused on third grade.

I teach in Forest School as well as teaching Sustainability, by teaching that love and joy of that natural environment.

I help them become custodians of our wonderful world.

Crystal Miller is an elementary school teacher dedicated to creating engaging, supportive, and inclusive learning experiences for young students.

Known for her creativity and commitment to student success, she integrates hands‑on learning and relationship‑centered teaching to inspire curiosity and confidence in every child.

Crystal is passionate about strengthening school communities and empowering learners to thrive academically and socially.

Primary teacher with an interest in sustainability, culture, and heritage, keen to help learners make connections between their local environment and the wider world.

I aim to build my confidence in embedding environmental and cultural learning across the curriculum.

Currently seconded to work on Culture Connect as part of the Angus Cultural Strategy, supporting the development of a network of teachers and organisations.

This has encouraged me to broaden my knowledge further, and I am interested in the Energy Literacy Fellowship as an opportunity to learn more about energy, climate, and how to bring these themes into the classroom in a practical way.

I’ve been teaching for 28 years, mostly in 4th and 5th grade, and I still love the curiosity and energy my students bring every day.

After earning my undergraduate degree from Boston College and my M.Ed. from UMass Boston, I spent 24 years in Boston Public Schools—10 of those teaching science—before moving to Quincy Public Schools to be closer to home.

After a few years teaching math, I was thrilled to return to 4th grade science this year, where I feel right at home and plan to stay for the rest of my career!

I especially love teaching energy and electricity—there’s nothing better than seeing students’ excitement when their circuits light up and come to life.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Adam, and our four kids, AJ (25), Jack (22), Mollie (20), and Cooper (15). I also enjoy traveling, baking, playing pickleball and badminton, watching movies, and stargazing.

Primary School Teacher with an interest of empowering children to do the jobs they love.

My Name is Emily, I am 31, mother of 2, I have a BSc in Marine Biology and run the Eco club at Gunness and Burringham C of E primary school.

Jabari Kitwana Edwards is a veteran educator with over 17 years of experience. He began his career as a middle school English teacher, earning recognition for his innovative methods and strong community connections.

After earning an advanced certificate in Education Leadership from Long Island University, Jabari transitioned into administration, eventually serving as an elementary school principal in East New York.

He is deeply committed to educational equity and STEM development, frequently leading professional development for colleagues and mentoring aspiring leaders.

Throughout his career, Jabari has remained a dedicated advocate for ensuring every student has the tools necessary for lifelong success

Roveena is a UCL student, training to be a primary school teacher with a strong passion for sustainability and energy literacy. Inspired by both her university experience and personal interest in sustainability, she is focused on embedding sustainability across the curriculum and supporting young learners to develop positive, environmentally responsible attitudes.

Roveena looks forward to sharing her experiences and continuing to grow her knowledge through this opportunity.

Scarlett is a trainee primary school teacher with a background in Social Sciences and a strong commitment to creating engaging, discussion-rich classrooms where every child feels heard and inspired.

She is particularly passionate about helping pupils explore real-world issues, including sustainability and energy use, in a way that builds curiosity and critical thinking.

Scarlett wants to support young people in understanding their role in shaping a more sustainable future and to empower them to ask questions, think deeply, and recognise the impact they can have on the world around them.