Becoming A Sustainably Oriented Academic Teacher. Self-Development Reflections

Sustainability has become a critical challenge for individuals and societies, necessitating its integration into education as a priority. Despite growing recognition since the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005–2014), a gap persists between the acknowledged need for sustainability education and teachers’ professional readiness. Discussions increasingly emphasize incorporating sustainability into pre-service and in-service teacher training under the motto “Sustainability starts with teachers,” highlighting the vital role of well-prepared educators. However, systemic acceleration remains limited, with progress largely driven by individual efforts in self-development. The presentation outlines the author’s journey as an academic teacher embracing sustainability through lifelong learning and experiential teaching methods, framed by Kolb’s learning cycle and self-directed learning models. By reflecting on this transition, the study underscores the dynamic relationship between sustainably oriented educators and students, illustrated through real-world teaching practices and their impact on fostering sustainability awareness.