eii and UIU to Offer Grad and Undergrad Climate Course in Dubuque

Upper Iowa University, in partnership with Environmental Issues Instruction (Eii), will offer a two-credit graduate or undergraduate course titled Learning and Living in a Changing Climate March 20–22, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena.

Designed as an interdisciplinary, hands-on learning experience, the course serves educators across all grade levels and content areas, PreK–14. Participants will engage in current climate literacy research, practical classroom strategies, and collaborative project development aimed at equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and respond to a changing climate.

An eii participant notices a large insect while doing field work in a prairie at a past workshop.

The in-person workshop will be followed by a virtual update session via Zoom on June 13, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, allowing participants to reconnect, share progress, and continue professional collaboration.

The $290 registration fee includes lodging, meals, comprehensive instructional materials, and eligibility for sub-grants of up to $5,000 to support school-based environmental projects. These competitive sub-grants are designed to help educators implement meaningful, student-centered sustainability initiatives in their schools and communities.

Educators who have attended previous workshops consistently praise the program’s relevance and impact.

“Attending the 2025 Eii workshop was truly inspiring,” said Jill Kelly of Oelwein Middle School. “The sessions offered valuable lessons, practical information, and engaging speakers who deepened my understanding of climate literacy. I left with renewed motivation, fresh ideas for meaningful projects, and practical tools I can bring back to my students.”

Dean Robinson of West Burlington Arnold High School added, “The Eii classes are by far the best I have ever experienced. They are enjoyable and engaging. They provide current, real-life information that helps make classroom lessons more relevant.”

Registration information is available online. Educators with questions may contact Dr. Barbara Ehlers at [email protected].