Toolkit for Middle School Educators

As climate change and extreme weather events continue to affect communities, research shows that young people are experiencing increased anxiety and emotional distress. To address this, the Climate Mental Health Network and National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) partnered to explore how middle school students are emotionally responding to climate change and what resources educators need to support them.

Through nationwide surveys and discussions with educators, we identified the need for tools to help teachers support students' mental health and manage their own climate-related emotions.

While

98%

of teachers report encountering emotional reactions from students when teaching about climate change

Only

10%

report having resources that provide guidance on addressing these emotions

In response, we developed the Climate Emotions Toolkit—an evidence-based, teacher-tested resource designed to help middle school educators navigate climate emotions.

After a successful nationwide pilot, we are proud to offer this resource to help educators create a learning environment where students can process their emotions while building knowledge and skills for the future.

This free toolkit equips teachers with everything they need to address climate emotions in the classroom. It provides background information, climate literacy resources, and strategies for supporting students’ mental well-being.

Navigating Climate Emotions in the Classroom: A Toolkit for Educators

The educator guide includes information to help teachers support students through the emotional challenges of climate change. It includes tools for managing climate anxiety, information about the physical and mental health impacts of climate change on youth, and guidance for channeling student anxiety into action. Designed to foster resilience and engagement, it empowers teachers to create a supportive learning environment.

Fill out this form to download the toolkit.

Here is a quick overview of what what you'll find in the toolkit:

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Teachers Who Tested the Toolkit Weighed In

100%

would recommend the toolkit to a colleague

97%

were likely to use the activities again

90%

found the toolkit easy to use

“The toolkit provided a wealth of valuable resources that made it highly effective for addressing both the cognitive and emotional challenges of teaching climate change.”

California Teacher

Our Process

From 2023-2025, Climate Mental Health Network and NEEF conducted a multi-year program of work on climate emotions in middle school teachers. The process began with a research study (survey and focus groups) to understand the experiences and needs of US public middle school teachers and their students. We used this research to inform the development of the toolkit. The toolkit prototype was reviewed by teachers, refined, and then piloted across the country.