Leadership in Ecology, Culture and Learning

A specialty for those interested in creating locally relevant and culturally appropriate education programs, which are informed by the principles and values inherent in sustainable development, and that use pedagogies that are appropriate for diverse audiences.

 

The Department of Educational Policy, Foundations & Administrative Studies (EPFA) offers a Master of Science or Master of Arts* in Education with a specialization in Leadership in Ecology, Culture, and Learning (LECL).

A doctoral program with specialization in sustainability and education is also available. Please contact Professor Rosalyn McKeown at mckeownr@pdx.edu for more information.

* Master of Arts degree requires proficiency in a foreign language. The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures (503-725-3522) administers the language examination taken any time prior to one’s final term.

LECL Mission Statement

Building on the goals of the Graduate School of Education and the EPFA Department ideals of social justice and multi-cultural education, the LECL program strives to develop educators who can create locally relevant and culturally appropriate education programs, which are informed by the principles and values inherent in sustainable development, and that use pedagogies that are appropriate for diverse audiences.

Programmatic Description

The LECL academic program grew out of the Portland International Initiative for Leadership in Ecology, Culture and Learning (PIIECL). The LECL program reflects the depth and breadth of international discourse on sustainability and the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.

The LECL program addresses major discourses, issues, and pedagogies pertaining to educating for a more sustainable future. The program balances environmental sustainability with social and economic justice. The LECL program, like sustainability, is interdisciplinary in nature. Each course in the program has an educational and communication component as well as an element of indigenous knowledge systems.

Programmatic Values

Education for a more sustainable future is based upon values, ideals, and principles that underlie sustainability, such as intergenerational equity, gender equity, social justice, poverty alleviation, environmental preservation and restoration, natural resource conservation, and just and peaceable societies.

Discussion around sustainability includes values – personal and societal. Sustainability carries with it a host of values related to human dignity and rights, equity, and care for the environment. Additionally, sustainability takes these values a step farther and extends them intergenerationally. With sustainability comes valuing biodiversity and conservation along with human diversity, inclusivity, and participation.