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Strategic Leadership Practices of California Green Ribbon School Administrators
Room: 106
Time: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
How do school leaders successfully guide their learning communities toward sustainability recognition? This session presents findings from a statewide study of administrators whose schools received the California Green Ribbon School designation between 2014 and 2025. Using survey data and a systematic literature review, the research highlights the strategic leadership practices, values, and decision-making approaches that shaped whole-school sustainability initiatives. Participants will learn how school administrators integrated environmental responsibility into school culture, built staff and student engagement, aligned curriculum with sustainability goals, and leveraged community partnerships to support lasting change. Special attention will be given to leadership practices that bridge facilities, instruction, and student well-being, offering insights across TK–12 contexts.
The presentation provides attendees with an overview of sustainability leadership and a toolkit of strategies to adapt within their own institutions, programs, or communities by connecting leadership theory with practical applications.
Attendees will gain actionable, research-based insights into how school administrators lead successful sustainability initiatives. The session highlights practices that can inspire and guide educators, administrators, and policymakers committed to creating more sustainable, healthier, and resilient schools.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Identify strategic leadership traits and values common to sustainability-focused principals.
- Examine practices school administrators used to design, implement, and sustain Green Ribbon initiatives.
- Connect leadership practices with student wellness, curriculum integration, and community engagement.
- Translate research findings into practical strategies for advancing sustainability in schools.
Speakers:
Andrea Somoza-Norton, Associate Professor, California Polytechnic State University SLO
George Garcia, Education Programs Consultant, Green Ribbon Schools Award, California Department of Education
George Garcia is a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and education. With a background in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) education, he has devoted his career to promoting eco-conscious practices and empowering individuals to make a positive, lasting impact on their communities and the planet. As an Education Program Consultant at the California Department of Education (CDE) in the Office of Learning Environments, George leads the California Green Ribbon Schools (CA-GRS) Recognition Award program.
Through CA-GRS, George supports and celebrates schools that demonstrate excellence in environmental literacy, resource efficiency, and student and staff wellness. He works closely with school communities to help them implement sustainable practices—from improving energy efficiency and reducing waste to designing innovative outdoor learning spaces. The program not only uplifts exemplary efforts but also inspires schools statewide to integrate sustainability into everyday learning and operations.
Prior to his work at CDE, George served as a STEAM instructional coach in Santa Clara, where he helped schools deliver engaging, cross-curricular learning experiences rooted in real-world problem solving. His efforts continue to inspire educators and students to embrace environmental stewardship, proving that sustainability and education together can shape a healthier, more equitable future for all.
Dr. Andrea Somoza-Norton is an Associate Professor and Co-Coordinator of the Educational Leadership and Administration Program at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She brings more than 28 years of experience as an educator, school administrator, and educational consultant. She holds a B.A. in Education and an M.S. in Information Technology in Education from the University of Nevada, Reno, and an Ed.D. in School Leadership from the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Somoza-Norton also earned an Executive Certificate in Management and Leadership from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate.
Her research and practice focus on educational leadership for sustainability, systems thinking, and innovative organizational design. A former member of the Environmental and Climate Change Literacy Projects (ECCLPs) Research Committee, Dr. Somoza-Norton, examines how leaders can integrate environmental literacy, equity, and resilience into school systems. Through her research on the California Green Ribbon Schools framework, she supports administrators in developing campuses that promote wellness, efficient operations and facilities, stewardship, and social responsibility. Her scholarship reflects a commitment to empowering educational leaders to guide systemic transformation toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.
