ABSTRACT
If our sector is to promote and innovate in sustainability, and our aim is to develop authentic sustainable graduates through learning, teaching and the broader student experience, our staff also need to be advocates for sustainability in higher education. In this chapter, we examine professional development opportunities for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) that might be considered for different staff in higher education, be they university leaders, researchers, educators, or in professional services roles. It is argued that sustainability is relevant to all staff, and opportunities need to be provided for all staff to learn about and contribute to sustainability within their institutions. Further, there needs to be alignment of professional development for staff, enabling them to work together in their institutions. We consider who might provide professional development, and how such professional development for ESD should work in a way that invites engagement and excitement in disciplinary contexts, as opposed to being prescriptive. We consider the possible barriers to staff development in sustainability and suggest positive ideas to negate these issues, including acknowledging disciplinary differences and working closely with students. The chapter advocates that professional development for sustainability can be an exciting and inclusive venture as opposed to another ‘add-on’ that staff are mandated to undertake.
