THE ROLE OF TEACHERS IN PROMOTING GREEN VALUES AND SUSTAINABLE CITIZENSHIP

Abstract

Environmental sustainability has become a global educational priority, highlighting the critical role of teachers in developing environmentally responsible citizens. This study examines the role of teachers in promoting green values and sustainable citizenship through sustainability-oriented teaching practices and their influence on students' environmental awareness. An explanatory sequential mixed-method research design was employed involving an illustrative sample of 120 teachers and 420 students from 20 secondary and senior-secondary schools. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation and multiple regression, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between teacher practices and students' environmental awareness (r = 0.67, p < 0.001), with the regression model explaining 48.6% (R² = 0.486) of the variance. Experiential learning (β = 0.31) emerged as the strongest predictor, followed by teacher role-modelling (β = 0.25) and curriculum integration (β = 0.21). Students demonstrated high overall environmental awareness (Mean = 3.73/5.00), although civic environmental participation remained comparatively lower. The study recommends strengthening teacher professional development, experiential learning, interdisciplinary sustainability integration, and school–community partnerships to cultivate environmentally responsible and sustainable citizens.