Lab22’s Rendez-vous pédagogique to Equip Educators with Innovative Environmental Learning Approaches
Montréal will host the second annual Rendez-vous pédagogique on March 30, 2026, a day-long event designed to provide secondary school teachers with cutting-edge pedagogical tools for environmental education. Organized by Lab22, the event aims to foster a community of educators dedicated to integrating environmental responsibility into their curricula. The event will be held at the Biodôme de Montréal and is expected to draw between 250 and 300 participants.
The Rendez-vous pédagogique comes at a crucial time, as educators increasingly seek ways to address the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. The event’s focus on “ERE pour sortir des sentiers battus” – or Environmental Education to break new ground – signals a commitment to moving beyond traditional approaches and embracing innovative, engaging methods. This reflects a broader trend in education towards experiential learning and real-world problem-solving, recognizing that effective environmental stewardship requires not just knowledge, but also a deep connection to the natural world.
A Collaborative Effort to Advance Environmental Literacy
The Centr’ERE, a research center focused on education and training related to the environment and ecocitizenship at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), will be a key participant in the Rendez-vous pédagogique. They will share a booth with the Coalition Éducation – Environnement – Écocitoyenneté, showcasing resources such as their short-term ERE program and their guide, “Culture – Éducation – Écologie.” This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in advancing environmental literacy and providing teachers with the support they need to implement effective programs. The Coalition Éducation – Environnement – Écocitoyenneté is a Quebec-based organization dedicated to promoting education for sustainable development. More information about the Coalition can be found on their website.
The event’s program is designed to be both informative and interactive. The day begins with an 8:30 AM welcome and complimentary coffee, followed at 9:00 AM by three TED Talk-style presentations delivered by teacher-student duos. These talks will showcase inspiring experiences with ERE (éducation relative à l’environnement) within schools, offering practical examples of successful implementation. The morning will continue with interactive conferences, providing opportunities for teachers to engage with experts and share best practices.
A Full Day of Learning and Networking
Lunch, a vegetarian meal accompanied by musical entertainment and a resource fair, is scheduled for 12:00 PM. This provides a valuable opportunity for teachers to network with colleagues and explore the various resources available to support their environmental education efforts. The afternoon will be dedicated to hands-on workshops, allowing participants to experience ERE firsthand. Teachers will have the opportunity to attend two workshops of their choice, from 1:15 PM to 3:00 PM and again from 3:00 PM to 4:45 PM, deepening their understanding of specific pedagogical approaches.
A light goûter (snack) will be served at 4:15 PM, followed by a closing performance at 4:45 PM. The event will conclude at 5:45 PM, allowing teachers to return to their schools with renewed inspiration and practical tools. The Biodôme de Montréal, a unique museum showcasing diverse ecosystems, provides an ideal setting for the Rendez-vous pédagogique, reinforcing the connection between learning and the natural world. Information about accessing the Biodôme can be found on the Espace pour la Vie website.
Focus on Experiential and Innovative Approaches
The emphasis on experiential learning, a core tenet of ERE, is particularly noteworthy. Experiential learning moves beyond traditional classroom instruction, engaging students in hands-on activities, real-world investigations, and problem-solving challenges. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of environmental issues and empowers students to become active agents of change. The event’s focus on innovative pedagogical approaches reflects a growing recognition that traditional methods are often insufficient to address the complex challenges of environmental sustainability.
Lab22’s commitment to fostering innovation in education is evident in the event’s structure and content. The organization, which describes itself as a laboratory for educational innovation, regularly hosts events and workshops designed to support teachers in developing and implementing cutting-edge pedagogical practices. Details about the Rendez-vous pédagogique and Lab22’s other events can be found on their website.
Registration and Participation
Registration for the Rendez-vous pédagogique is now open and can be completed through Zeffy. Interested teachers can find registration information and event details on the Zeffy ticketing page. The event is specifically targeted towards secondary school teachers, with an anticipated attendance of 250-300 educators. Organizers encourage participants to share information about the event with their networks within the school community.
The Rendez-vous pédagogique represents a significant investment in the future of environmental education. By providing teachers with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to effectively engage students in environmental learning, the event aims to cultivate a generation of informed, responsible, and engaged citizens who are equipped to address the environmental challenges of the 21st century.
The next step for educators interested in attending is to register before the event date. Further updates and information will be available on the Lab22 website. We encourage readers to share this article with colleagues and networks to promote participation in this important event.
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