Professor develops course for sustainable peace

Since the inception of the Journal of Peace Education, the field of peace education has grown tremendously over the last 15 years. The journal understands peace education as education for the achievement of non-violent, ecologically sustainable, just and participatory societies, however, few studies published in the journal address the pressing need in the scholarship of teaching and learning. 

Ed Brantmeier, professor of education at James Madison University, developed an undergraduate introductory course entitled Inclusive Leadership for Sustainable Peace. The course aims to question how peace educators can create deep learning environments and experiences to invite future generations to become agents of change. 

Brantmeier is available to discuss the importance of social-emotional intelligence in the classroom, righting historical harm and cultivating a sense of belonging among students—all in hopes of creating a more peaceful world. 

"The spirit of a course like ILSP is to cultivate sustainable peace leaders by inviting students to clarify their own values as well as the values and approaches of global sustainable peace leaders in their historic and community contexts," says Brantmeier. 

"We are aiming to create awareness of the diverse leaders and innovative organizations who aim to promote equity among people, health in our ecosystems, and economies that are sustainable and not destructive to people or the planet. Leaders who are contemplative and inclusive and lead by core values, in history, have made remarkable contributions to the planet and to humankind." 

Media contact: Hannah Robinson, robinshl@jmu.edu, 520-222-2808

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