About Lsf
Learning for a Sustainable Future
Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) is a Canadian charity whose mission is to promote, through education, the knowledge, skills, values, perspectives, and practices essential to a sustainable future.
LSF’s goal is to work together with educators, students, parents, government, community members and business leaders to integrate the concepts and principles of sustainable development into education policy, school curricula, teacher education, and lifelong learning across Canada.
LSF & Climate Change Education
LSF has been championing climate change education for over 25 years, delivering climate change programming and support for educators and students.
Learn more about about our target areas:
Canada, Climate Change and Education: Opportunities for Public and Formal Education (November 2019)
Dr. Ellen Field, Faculty of Education, Lakehead University and Learning for a Sustainable Future have collaborated on the implementation of a national climate change education survey.
The nationwide study of 3,196 Canadians entitled, Canada, Climate Change and Education: Opportunities for Public and Formal Education, establishes benchmarks of Canadians’ knowledge and understanding of climate change, their perspectives on the importance of climate change and its risks, and views on the role of schools and climate change education. It also provides the first comprehensive snapshot of climate change educational practice in Canada.
Read the National Executive Summary here.
Annual David V. J. Bell Lecture
The Annual Dr. David V.J. Bell Lecture is intended to help bridge the gap between research and what is practiced in educational institutions by identifying Canadian thought leaders to share their research and insights on education for sustainable development as it applies to education policy, teacher education and practice, and student empowerment.
Learn more about past and future lectures here.
Through numerous evolving programs and initiatives, LSF works to empower students across Canada to take climate action.
Some of our current programs include:
Resources for Rethinking is LSF’s award winning resource database hosting over 1300 quality classroom resources connected to curriculum across Canada.
- R4R is home to a number of diverse, high-quality, teacher reviewed climate change resources that can help support educators meaningfully connect climate change learning to curriculum for all ages. Explore the resources here.
For the time being, all LSF Professional Development will be delivered virtually.
- LSF PD Institutes: LSF workshops focus on seven interrelated strategies from our Connecting the Dots resource to create learning experiences that put students at the center of learning. Each professional development event brings together educators to share their interests and experiences while advancing their practice. *Climate Change PD sessions can be delivered upon request. Learn more here.
- Webinars: LSF has recently developed an ongoing series of webinars as a response to COVID-19 to support outdoor teaching & learning, sustainability education, and teaching climate change. You can find an up to date schedule of webinar opportunities here.
Our team
Pamela Schwartzberg
President & CEO
Pamela has over 30 years of progressive experience in strategic planning, policy development, project management, research and writing. She served as Ontario Program Director for Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) from 1995- 2002 coordinating research, policy development, teacher training and curriculum materials development. As of December 2002, Pamela has served as President and CEO of Learning for a Sustainable Future. Her prior positions include: Coordinator of the Ontario Premier’s Council; Manager of Policy and Programs for the Ontario Round Table on Environment and Economy; Education Program Officer for the Ontario Ministry of Energy; and Energy Manager, Planning and Development Department for the City Of Brampton. Pamela has a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University.
Elaine Rubinoff
Director of Programs and Administration
Elaine Rubinoff has worked for Learning for a Sustainable Future since 1995. She began as Program Manager providing partnership development and project management until 2002 at which time she assumed the role of Director of Programs and Administration. Elaine’s prior positions include: Administrative Assistant in the Legal and Commodities Departments at George Weston Limited; Registered Sales Representative at Richardson Greenshields; Aboriginal Parole Officer with the Toronto Parole Board. Elaine is a graduate of York University.
Samantha Gawron
Manager of Programs, Engagement and Development
Sam Gawron is a graduate of the Environment, Sustainability & Society and International Development programs at Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College. She has a special interest in food & agriculture systems and global health. Sam’s past experience includes work with the Riverdale Immigrant Women’s Centre on their social enterprise cafe, engagement of elementary school children in issues surrounding healthy and sustainable eating, a consulting position with the Marine Stewardship Council, and participation in various multidisciplinary environmental education programs such as the Upper Grand District’s "Headwaters" program.
Jennifer Stevens
Manager of Learning, Research and Communication
Jenn Stevens is a graduate of the Masters of Child Study and Education at the Jackman Institute of Child Studies at the University of Toronto. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Queen’s University. Jenn has worked to empower youth in various capacities through her previous work as the Membership Chair for the OISE branch of the Council for Exceptional Children, Respite Camp Leader at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and through her student teaching placements. She is passionate about issues in sustainability and aspires to equip today’s youth with the tools necessary to make a positive impact in their communities, the environment and the world around them