Who We Are / History

Who We Are

Creative Change Educational Solutions is a nonprofit organization focused on sustainability education. We serve leading educators who understand the ethical need to educate for a greener economy, revitalized communities and a more equitable society. 

Based in southeast Michigan, we work regionally and collaborate nationally with schools, universities, research institutions and sustainability leaders in multiple sectors.  The organization’s staff and board include practicing teachers, university educators, and content experts from science, business, and public policy fields. 

Our mission is to provide and promote innovative education that helps create a sustainable world: a healthy environment, a fair economy, and a just and equitable society for current and future generations.

History

Creative Change Educational Solutions (CCES) was founded in 1999 by former classroom teacher Susan Santone to provide sustainability-based curricula, training, and programming. The organization operated as a Limited Liability Company through 2001.  In order to expand its educational mission, CCES incorporated as a non-profit organization in January, 2002 and was granted tax-exempt, 501c3 status in July 2002.  CCES has maintained its status as a tax-exempt organization since then.

Highlights of our work:

• On-going: Supporting educational leaders in “early adopter” districts in multiple states to implement long-term change in curriculum and teacher preparation.

• 2003-present: Developed and managed curricula and teacher education programs on the Ecological Footprint, ecological economics, energy/carbon footprinting, and green design.  Initiatives implemented in MI, CA, NY, MN, and other states.

• 2007-present: With Purdue Univ., developed a high school course on brownfields remediation.  CCES now manages the initiative under its "Our Town " program.

• 2005-07: With support from Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan foundations, developed and managed a high school program on land use and sustainability in SE MI.  The program has reached over 1000 students, with positive results on student achievement and teacher practice. (The curriculum is now bundled with the brownfields work in our “Our Town” program.)

• 2003-08: Developed graduate-level courses on sustainability education and offered them through the Eastern Michigan University College of Education.

• 2001-2003: Developed a suite of diversity curricula for the United Nations.