FOTE began in 2005 to supply an opportunity for teachers to network with like minded educators from all walks of life.  The result is a cross-polination from many walks of science, heritage and industry benefiting the education of children across ever expanding and diverse geographic regions. 

In the beginning meetings were held irregularly but with great enthusiasm and the network grew. Topics discussed concentrated on environmental issues and our responsibility as educators to not only teach following generations how to steward our world but how we can actively contribute to its effective preservation.

Today over 20 schools along with colleges, universities, government departments and private companies are regularly represented.  Meetings are held monthly with quarterly events coordinated with specially invited guest speakers. Once a year (August/September) a larger event is planned.

Members support schools’ revegetation efforts with tax-deductible carbon-offset contributions and are rewarded for introducing new members to our carbon-offset program.

In October 2007 the organisation ratified a constitution. Membership is by application and a nominal fee is requested. As a member communication from FOTE is by email and phone. Minutes of meetings and events are posted online for members only. The database of contacts is available to members by request as we are first and foremost a networking organisation.

FOTE has interest from such diverse fields as marine biology and zoology, native plant propagation, indigenous heritage, national parks management, solar energy, invasive pest management, climate change, horticulture and physics as well as teachers from all subject areas in public and private primary and secondary schools to name a few.

If you are an educator and want to know something or someone to do with environmental sustainability issues this is the group for you.

You might not be a teacher but through teachers you could influence kids to create a sustainable future. If you have a passion for the environment and expertise to offer, this is the group for you.

If you have an interest in creating a local FOTE group we can help you as well. As Anita Roddick (Body Shop founder) said, “ think global, work local ” and become a part of the change we have to be.