Chester Zoo's Teacher Network
Stay connected. Share ideas. Inspire change.
How can we empower our students to live more sustainably? At Chester Zoo, we’re committed to tackling the extinction crisis by helping people make sustainable choices and connecting young people with nature.
Each year, we teach thousands of students through our education programmes—designed to inspire the conservationists of the future. Whether you’re starting a new project or looking for support in embedding sustainability across your curriculum, our Teacher Network is here to help.
What is the Teacher Network?
A community of like-minded teaching professionals who share a mission of Preventing Extinction. Together, we explore how to make sustainability real, relevant, and achievable in schools.
It’s a chance to share best practice, gain fresh ideas, and keep up to date with the latest sustainability issues.
Topics we discuss include:
- Preparing for Science and Careers weeks
- Understanding government guidance on sustainability in schools
- Embedding climate change and conservation in the curriculum in meaningful ways
CALENDAR 2026
The connection between nature and wellbeing
Date: January 19, 4:00 - 5:00pm
Location: Online
Join Chester Zoo’s Wildlife and Wellbeing team on Blue Monday for an online opportunity to connect on this important topic.
We will discuss ways to connect young people with nature and improve their wellbeing. What are the five pathways to nature connection and how can schools incorporate this into their curriculum, and use their outdoor space? What role can the sights, sounds and colour of the natural world play in our students’ wellbeing?
Don’t miss this opportunity to take part in group discussion on this topic. What challenges and rewards have you discovered when approaching these issues?
Preparing for Science and Careers week
Date: February 3, 4:30 - 6:30pm
Location: In person at Chester Zoo
Join us to help you prepare early for two important upcoming weeks. In this session we’ll explore examples of scientific job roles here at Chester Zoo that your students may be interested in pursuing.
You’ll gain real-world context of where science is helping to prevent extinction through our conservation work.
We’ll showcase resources that you can use in your classroom to discuss science or careers, and we’ll have an opportunity for likeminded teachers to share ideas of activities related to these important topics.
Youth Voice – making it count in your school
Date: March 19, 4:30 - 6:30pm
Location: In person at Chester Zoo
What is youth voice? How can schools incorporate youth voice into decision making processes?
We will introduce our initiatives such as the Chester Schools Sustainability Network, Schools Takeover Day, Youth Network, Youth Summit, Youth Board and our conservation changemakers toolkits. We will explain how we provide a platform for young people to influence zoo operations and our conservation efforts.
Charlotte Dale, our Youth Programmes Assistant Manager will be our guest speaker about Chester Zoo’s work with the youth voice.
This will be an ideal opportunity to discuss how listening to the youth voice you can make your school environment inclusive, relevant and effective. There will be an opportunity for discussion with like-minded teaching professionals about how to incorporate these ideas into your school or college ethos.
Citizen Science and your school
Date: April 22, 4:30 - 6:30pm
Location: In person at Chester Zoo
What is a bioblitz? How can technology help us engage pupils with science?
This session explores the benefits of taking part in citizen science activities at school. We ask if these opportunities can make the world of science accessible and help pupils to develop essential life skills.
We’ll showcase projects and apps schools you can use and for inspiring pupils to get involved in hands-on science.
You’ll also have the chance to put this into practice straight away, as the City Nature Challenge will be taking place between 24-27 April, where recording wildlife found on your school grounds or local area via iPads and mobile phones will contribute to vital population research.
Conservation TeachMeet
Date: May 19, 4:30 - 6:30pm
Location: In person at Chester Zoo
Join us for an evening of sharing between teachers. This will be an opportunity to present for 5-10 minutes about an activity or initiative you have done in school, that works towards conservation, sustainability or connection to nature.
This will be an an excellent opportunity to hear from peers and be inspired about how they have made positive change within their school, or engaged learners with the natural world.
The registration form will ask if you would like to present at this event, and for a short description.
Teacher open evening at Chester Zoo
Date: June 18, 4:30 - 6:30pm
Location: In person at Chester Zoo
Join us for an evening tour around Chester Zoo, where you’ll have the opportunity to network with likeminded teaching professionals and hear about what Chester Zoo has to offer for educational groups.
We’ll talk you through the different offers available to school and college groups, and supporting resources available to make the most of your trip to Chester Zoo.
Take the opportunity to discuss your needs with our Schools Engagement team for any upcoming trips to Chester Zoo or outreach and virtual delivery.
You’ll also be the first to hear about our plans for the 2026-2027 academic year Teacher Network events!
Sign up coming soon.