“Frameworks matter because they turn good intentions into everyday professional practice.”

Level 2 Competency Framework in Teaching for a Sustainable Future

For staff who have experience or expertise in sustainability and climate change whose main role is teaching or supporting learning in a face-to-face role.

1️⃣ Climate Basics — Level 2

Descriptor

Explains climate and sustainability concepts accurately, connects them to the SDGs, and corrects common misconceptions.

Performance Criteria:

• ✔️ Clarify and correct a misconception about climate or sustainability in teaching
• ✔️ Link a sustainability topic to relevant SDGs and explain the connection
• ✔️ Respond accurately to learner questions about climate or sustainability

2️⃣ Vocational Linking — Level 2

Descriptor

Integrates sustainability into subject content using industry-relevant practices, standards, or challenges.

Performance Criteria):

• ✔️ Integrate sustainability into a core subject topic rather than as an add-on
• ✔️ Use industry examples to explore sustainability trade-offs or constraints
• ✔️ Discuss how sustainability affects professional standards or workplace expectations

3️⃣ Evidence Literacy — Level 2

Descriptor

Selects and interprets relevant evidence to support sustainability learning and models critical use of sources.

Performance Criteria:

• ✔️ Compare two sources on a sustainability issue and discuss reliability
• ✔️ Explain limitations or bias in a source used with learners
• ✔️ Support a sustainability claim using evidence and simple interpretation

4️⃣ Structured Dialogue — Level 2

Descriptor

Facilitates balanced discussion of ethical, social justice, and controversial sustainability issues and manages disagreement constructively.

Performance Criteria:

• ✔️ Facilitate discussion of a controversial sustainability issue with multiple viewpoints
• ✔️ Support learners to explore ethical or justice implications of sustainability decisions
• ✔️ Intervene to reframe or de-escalate disagreement while maintaining respectful dialogue

5️⃣ Lesson Design — Level 2

Descriptor

Designs coherent sequences of learning that embed sustainability through aligned outcomes, activities, and assessments.

Performance Criteria:

• ✔️ Plan a short sequence of learning with sustainability embedded across sessions
• ✔️ Align sustainability outcomes with activities and assessment criteria
• ✔️ Review and refine sustainability content based on learner understanding

6️⃣ Engaging Learners — Level 2

Descriptor

Adapts teaching to motivate diverse learners and sustain engagement with sustainability learning.

Performance Criteria:

• ✔️ Adjust sustainability content in response to learner interest or confidence
• ✔️ Use learner feedback to refine how sustainability is introduced or explored
• ✔️ Encourage sustained learner participation across more than one session

7️⃣ Improving Outcomes — Level 2

Descriptor

Uses sustainability learning to strengthen students’ knowledge, skills, and application in realistic contexts.

Performance Criteria:

• ✔️ Set challenging targets for students to improve their sustainability knowledge and skills
• ✔️ Track learner progress in sustainability understanding across activities
• ✔️ Use feedback to help learners improve sustainability-related work

8️⃣ Reflect on Practice — Level 2

Descriptor

Evaluates the impact of their sustainability practice and adapts their approach to improve learning.

Performance Criteria:

• ✔️ Use research to improve the impact of your sustainability practices
• ✔️ Use learner outcomes or feedback to identify specific improvements
• ✔️ Build relationships with employers and agencies with expertise in sustainability and environmental protection

Full Competency Teaching for a Sustainable Future Framework