The election provides a platform for these Sustainable Teachers who focus on sustainability in their lessons and in practice, and who prepare children and young people through future-proof education for a world in which climate change will have consequences.

How can I be a sustainable teacher?

You can be a sustainable teacher in many different ways and at various levels of education: primary education, secondary education, vocational education, higher professional education or university.

A few examples:

  • Taking the initiative to make the school grounds greener.
  • Starting a school project about plastic soup.
  • Exploring sustainable energy sources with the class.
  • Partnering with a company to think about sustainable solutions together with students.
  • Taking part in Warm Sweater Day or Sustainability Day.
  • Working with schools abroad on social issues.

2024 winners

The winners of the 2024 Sustainable Teacher Election were: Tessa Hoogeland (primary education), Nawfal al Jeburi (secondary education), Thomas Noordeloos (vocational education) and Kyra Luiters (higher education). On 14 March 2024, one winner was selected for each level of education from among all twelve nominees at Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam.

Primary education winner: Tessa Hoogeland and Hester van der Schee from Terrawijs in Deventer

In primary education, Tessa Hoogeland emerged as the winner, sharing her title with Hester van der Schee. Together, they initiated Terrawijs: a primary school they are establishing in Deventer, with sustainability as its starting point. Jury member Marko Röttger was particularly impressed by its broad impact: “You start from education itself. You begin ‘inside’ and work outwards, for example by organising activities that take place outside the classroom. That is incredibly powerful.”

Secondary education winner: Nawfal al Jeburi from Stanislascollege in Rijswijk

Nawfal al Jeburi, from Stanislascollege in Rijswijk, won in secondary education: “Walking around here tonight feels like coming home. I often feel that I am swimming against the current; sometimes you start doubting yourself. This distinction gives me hope again!” According to jury member Joanne Malotaux, Nawfal’s greatest strength was offering his students opportunities for action.

Vocational education winner: Thomas Noordeloos from Yuverta Tilburg

“You are a connector, an organiser; you can inspire, analyse and create,” jury member Yasin Yaylali said about Thomas Noordeloos, the vocational education winner. He works at Yuverta Tilburg and was described by the jury as ambitious. For example, 10 years ago he established the ‘sustainability coordinator’ programme.

Higher education winner: Kyra Luijters from Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen

In higher education, the title went to Kyra Luijters from Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen. According to jury member Rosa Groen, Kyra stood out particularly because of her many collaborations. As a result, she achieves results not only within her own field, but also in the region and among other programmes and faculties at the school: “In this way, you connect companies in the north of the Netherlands with education to work together towards a sustainable world, create strong connections and inspire local entrepreneurs as well.”

View here the full jury report on the nominees.

Registration for the 2025 edition is possible here.