Wrapping our minds around climate change and its impacts is a daunting task for researchers, politicians, educators and spiritual leaders, as well as family and community members. We are all affected by climate change, but it will impact some people more than others, each in a unique constellation of ways. This session will introduce climate change, its impacts and how we can navigate conversations about this difficult topic with each other and within ourselves.  

Extreme rainfall events affect all corners of the United States, but the frequency and severity of these events has already increased and is expected to continue. Collective actions we take as communities and individual actions we take as homeowners and organization leaders play a role in determining our resilience to heavy-rainfall events. This session will explore how stormwater and flooding are emerging concerns for Central Ohio and what resources are available to address the issue through both infrastructure and behaviors.  

According to Project Drawdown, alternative transportation — when used for around 30 percent of urban passenger trips — could offset up to 15 gigatons of carbon dioxide emitted from cars. Central Ohio has some alternative transportation infrastructure in place, but is there room for improvement? This session will explore the transportation resources available to Central Ohioans, gaps in transportation availability, co-benefits that might not be obvious, and what the future of mobility looks like for the region. 

Green lawns are being replaced with native plants, perennials, rain gardens and pollinator-friendly landscapes in a growing movement to support local ecology and food systems. Ohio is home to almost 1,900 native plants that provide benefits including food sources for wildlife and people, stormwater control, natural cooling and beauty. This session will cover the environmental, economic and cultural benefits of gardening.  

It’s no secret that climate change is making things hotter. Urban neighborhoods with extensive pavement, dark roofs and few trees feel the greatest impacts in the summer and during heat waves. These same neighborhoods are often more socially vulnerable and lower-income with older, less-energy efficient housing. This session will cover the Urban Heat Island effect and how to stay cool when the weather gets hot. 

This final session will revisit the topics of the previous sessions with an immersive experience in the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus. Franklinton is a neighborhood of contrasts: an early settlement a short distance from the state capitol that has been ravaged by floods and historic underinvestment but is now experiencing renewed interest by outsiders while simultaneously working to meet the needs of long-term residents. Visit local organizations to learn about on-the-ground impacts as well as mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change in Central Ohio. You will hear from a diverse array of researchers, practitioners and residents. 

If you’re a district leader or an educator in any Central Ohio district, please complete the nomination/application webform. 

The program offers each participating educator a modest stipend as well as textbooks and other resources. There is no cost for the teachers to participate. Stipends will be disbursed following the successful completion of the institute.

• Which educators would benefit from participating in the Difficult Subjects Institute?
  Any K-12 educator would benefit from the program. Institute workshops are at the heart of the program curriculum and are led by scholars from The Ohio State University’s College of Arts and Sciences who have expertise in history, literature, art, music and performance. Recognizing the value of practice, the institute also brings in teaching experts (to share pedagogical techniques, as well as multicultural curriculum developers to provide instruction on complementing and supplementing State of Ohio standards pertaining to difficult subjects.
   
• How does the district nominate an individual to participate?
  District leadership may nominate educators by completing this webform and answering some brief questions.  
   
• Can individuals volunteer without the permission of their district leaders?
  Yes, individual educators may nominate themselves using this webform. However, they must include a letter of recommendation or concurrence from their school principal.
   
• How long and how often are the sessions in which our district’s educators may participate?
  The program consists of 30 hours of professional development engagement and including an orientation session (in January); three-hour Saturday seminars once a month (for five months) followed by an in-person experiential learning field trip and workshop (in June). 
   
• Are there any costs associated with participating in the institute?
  The program offers each participating educator a modest stipend as well as textbooks and other resources. There is no cost for the teachers to participate. Stipends will be disbursed following the successful completion of the institute. 
   
• What is the specific process for participating teachers from my district to earn credit for participation?
  Upon successful completion of whole program, teachers will be awarded a certificate and verification of contact hours that may be submitted for CEU consideration to the relevant district committee.

Enrollment Process

• What is the process for enrolling in the institute?
  Selection for this program is based on nomination rather than application. 
   
• Can I enroll in two tracks simultaneously during the same year?
  No. Each program track runs concurrently; therefore, participation is limited to one track per year.
   
• Can I enroll in another program track if I’ve participated in the past?
  Yes, per the discretion of the director. Email Program Coordinator Siatta Dennis-Brown (dennis-brown.1@osu.edu).
   
• Can I participate if I am educational staff but not a teacher?
  Those who are not direct educators may participate per the discretion of the director. Email Program Coordinator Siatta Dennis-Brown (dennis-brown.1@osu.edu).

Program Expectations

• Are there any costs associated with participating in the institute?
  The program offers each participating educator a modest stipend as well as textbooks and other resources. There is no cost for the teachers to participate. Stipends will be disbursed following the successful completion of the Institute.
   
• What is the institute’s policy on attendance?
  We understand that life happens, and conflicts may arise. Institute participants are expected to attend all of the sessions unless there are exigent circumstances. We encourage participants to consider applying for the following year if they are unable to fulfill this commitment. Please note that if participants are unable to attend the final field trip, the final stipend amount will be prorated down to $250. 
   
• What is the format of the sessions?
  Sessions may be virtual or hybrid depending on the format indicated by the instructor. 

Program Resources

• When will I expect to receive books and materials?
  Attending the program orientation is mandatory. Institute participants will receive their textbooks and other relevant resources at this event.
   
• What’s the vendor form? How and why should I complete it?
  The Ohio State University requires all institute participants to complete and submit a vendor form in order to receive a payment from the university. This form establishes participants as vendors for this purpose.
   
• If I completed a vendor form in previous years, could I use the vendor information that I have on file?
  The University has recently updated its Vendor Form protocols, and all Institute participants will need to submit new forms regardless of previous enrollment.
   
• How long will it take for me to receive my stipend at the completion of the program?
  Electronic Direct Deposits may take up to 60 days. Regular checks may take up to 90 days.

Email Program Coordinator Siatta Dennis-Brown (dennis-brown.1@osu.edu).