Rachel Buissereth

Who I am

I am a passionate and committed interdisciplinary scientist and outdoor educator with roots on the beautiful island of St Lucia. After completing a Bachelor of Arts from Rice University in environmental science and theatre, I received a Fulbright undergraduate research scholarship to develop participatory methods for showing and sharing knowledge with indigenous people in Australia. The programme encouraged equitable relationships between indigenous peoples, government agencies and local organisations, putting power in the hands of the traditional owners of the land. Through this work I found my passion for environmental education. I continued to learn about the impacts of place-based learning throughout organisations in the USA and then chose to pursue a Master’s of Science in education from the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on creating equity in outdoor education using culturally responsive pedagogies. I have dedicated my career to creating dynamic, hands-on learning experiences that engage diverse learners and foster environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Where I work

At The Island School, I am the director of Partnership Programs. My daily work involves facilitating experiential learning opportunities for students and visiting groups through our dynamic and immersive Visiting Programs. I help design and lead short courses that connect participants to our unique island environment, focusing on sustainability, marine ecology, environmental research and community outreach. These programmes encourage students to step outside their comfort zones, engage in hands-on learning and develop leadership skills that they can bring back to their own communities. I also support our Local Schools Program by creating locally relevant environmental education resources that align with the Bahamian National Curriculum and provide professional development for teachers. My work includes guiding students as they explore Eleuthera’s ecosystems, test new ideas and gain a deeper understanding of how to live well in place. Each day, I strive to make these educational experiences transformative, both for our visiting participants and for the local youth we serve.

What I do

I believe that education and community engagement are invaluable for increasing conservation efforts, public awareness, maintaining our local ecosystems and growing the next generation of climate leaders. More so, I believe in creating generative spaces where a diverse group of people can share stories and personal experiences to grow as stewards. I look forward to future opportunities where I can support the development of collaborative coalitions that integrate local art, culture, service and leadership towards building a brighter future.