K-12 Professional Development Opportunities

This resource is the brain child of the NGSS-ESS Working Group, which is a collaboration between the National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA), the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), and the American Geosciences Institute (AGI). The mission of this collaboration is to support Earth and space science educators in all aspects of NGSS-ESS implementation.

Use the interface below to search through professional development opportunities available for K-12 teachers across a variety of topical areas, grade levels, and formats. The webpages will be updated regularly as new opportunities come up, and old opportunities are retired.  If you are associated with a professional development opportunity that should be included in the collection, use the submission form to tell us about it.  Please contact Aida Awad, Missy Holzer, or Ed Robeck if you have questions.


Results 1 - 10 of 71 matches

Atmospheric Rivers: What's up with them?
What's up with these Atmospheric Rivers we keep hearing about? Join the Cooperative Institute of Research in Environmental Sciences, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Sierra Nevada Avanalche Center in this special webinar on Atmospheric Rivers, learn all about what they are, how we measure them, and the impact this environmental phenomenon has had on the U.S. This virtual webinar will be 60 minutes with 20 minutes of presentation by the experts followed by 30 minutes of live Q&A. We invite students and families to ask questions live and on camera to experts during the Q&A session. If you want to bring your classroom on screen to speak with our experts directly, please email daniela.pennycook@colorado.edu (6 spots available!) Register on Eventbrite!About our speakers: Dr. Mimi Hughes got her B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics from Penn State University, and her M.S. and PhD in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles. After her PhD, she began working at NOAA's Earth Science Research Laboratory (ESRL), Physical Sciences Division, which is now the Physical Sciences Laboratory. She began working in PSL as a National Research Council Postdoctoral fellow, continued as a CIRES research scientist, and is currently a NOAA Research Meteorologist in the Hydrology Applications Division. Mimi's current research focuses on improving understanding and model representation of hydrometeorological events that result in droughts and floods, especially in the contiguous United States. She diagnoses the ability of high-resolution models to properly represent physical processes key to hydrometeorological event simulation, working toward understanding the sensitivity of these processes to model configuration. She also focuses on improving our understanding of future projections of hydroclimate, especially in the mountainous western United States.

Cost: Free
Professional Development Format: Online only

Discover Iceland – Fire and Ice on a Mid-Ocean Ridge
This 7-day (6 night) field trip to Iceland highlights the amazing geology of this Mid-Ocean Ridge country. We will walk across a plate boundary, see recent active volcanism, climb amazing craters, walk to glaciers and so much more. Each and every turn of the road has amazing sites, waterfalls and the greenest landscapes imaginable.Iceland is an amazing place to learn about Plate Tectonics and glacial landforms.

Content Area: Earth Science, Geology, Environmental Science
Grade Level: Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: June to August
Cost: Cost to enroll
Professional Development Format: In-Person only

EPI Yellowstone Winter Teacher Fellowship
This unique professional development opportunity allows participating teachers to experience the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in winter, a time of solitude and beauty that you can't find during the crowded and bustling summer months. Each day, you'll head into the snowy landscape to explore thermal features or collect data about wildlife movements and behavior. EPI's instructors will introduce you to our unique model for creating positive learning environments in the field and applying field science at home.COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:- Observe wild wolves in the world-famous Lamar Valley- Collect data on ungulate species with the National Park Service- Experience Yellowstone's geothermal wonders under snow cover- 40 hours of professional development coursework with a focus on conservation biology, wildlands management, and scientific process.

Content Area: Earth Science, Environmental Science
Grade Level: Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: January to May
Cost: Cost to enroll, Expenses paid
Professional Development Format: In-Person only

EPI Hawaii Educator Course
This onsite Professional Development program takes place in Maui, Hawaii. From the summit of Haleakalā to Maui's colorful coral reefs, the Valley Isle has so much to teach us about endemic species, biodiversity, and our shared connection to the land. Learn to design inquiry-driven, interactive lesson plans for your students as you assist our Hawaiian partners with ongoing research and conservation projects. Come away with a better understanding of environmental literacy and the tools to foster the next generation of environmental stewards.COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:- Camp on Maui's North or West shores- Contribute to ongoing research on fish & reef health- Help restore a traditional Hawaiian village or harvest taroInterested participants can receive 4 graduate credits through the University of Montana for participating in this course. Separate registration and tuition fee are required.

Content Area: Earth Science, Environmental Science
Grade Level: Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: June to August
Cost: Cost to enroll
Professional Development Format: In-Person only

STEM Teacher Leadership Academy
Join our second cohort of accomplished STEM educators as they take on deep inquiry and informal learning connections alongside engineers, researchers, and museum specialists. Be a part of a community of leaders who wish to expand upon their practice, engage in reimagined engineering challenges, and return to the classroom feeling energized and empowered.This program is designed for K-12 teachers in the National Capital Region who wish to infuse science, technology, engineering, and math into their lessons and explore interdisciplinary project design. Participants in this program will receive a ,000 stipend, educational resources for the classroom, and 40 continuing education credits. All programming occurs at the National Air and Space Museum July 29-August 2, 2024.

Content Area: Earth Science, Environmental Science, Space Science / Astronomy, Other
Grade Level: Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: June to August
Cost: Free, Stipend paid
Professional Development Format: In-Person only

EPI Baja Teacher Fellowship
The EPI Baja Teacher Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to assist with international conservation efforts in the Gulf of California, a World Heritage Site that's home to 39% of the world's marine mammal species.COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:- Complete 40 hours of professional development coursework with a focus on marine biology, desert ecology, and conservation- Snorkel with sea lions, tropical fish & whale sharks- Explore marine diversity in the Gulf of California

Content Area: Earth Science, Environmental Science
Grade Level: Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: January to May
Cost: Cost to enroll, Expenses paid
Professional Development Format: In-Person only

EPI Galapagos Islands Educator Course
This intensive 10-day professional development program will give you the opportunity to work with some of the world's most fascinating wildlife. Through EPI's partnership with the Ecuadorian nonprofit ECOS, you'll leave the touristic sites behind to collect meaningful data and contribute to broad conservation efforts. Engage with astonishing phenomena and collaborate with other educators to develop lessons that drive student inquiry. Come away from the course equipped to connect your students to the wonders that inspired Darwin through your own storylines and insights. COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:- Monitor giant Galapagos tortoises- Explore 3-dimensional learning- Join a community of science professionals

Content Area: Earth Science, Environmental Science
Grade Level: Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: June to August
Cost: Cost to enroll
Professional Development Format: In-Person only

National Summer Teacher Institute on Innovation, STEM and Intellectual Property
The USPTO's National Summer Teacher Institute on Innovation, STEM and Intellectual Property (NSTI) is an excellent opportunity for K-12 educators to learn techniques that foster and unleash the innovator in every student through invention education. The program has no fee for participants, and applications are accepted until March 31 for the summer session from July 16-21 in St. Louis. Intellectual property touches nearly every sector of daily life, so the concepts in the NSTI program are applicable across all educational fields, and the value goes beyond the classroom. At NSTI, educators will build the skills needed to incorporate key intellectual property and STEM topics into their curricula, develop strategies to help students understand and appreciate the importance of innovation and creativity, and commercialize their own inventive works. Participants will work with USPTO experts to explore patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and have access to several "maker spaces" focused on various technologies. Educators will also receive valuable resources to take back to their classrooms, including teaching materials, lesson plans, and activities aligned with national standards. By participating in NSTI, educators will gain valuable knowledge and skills and become part of a network of educators committed to making a positive impact on their students.

Content Area: Earth Science, Geology, Environmental Science, Space Science / Astronomy, Other
Grade Level: Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: June to August
Cost: Free
Professional Development Format: In-Person only

G-Camp
G-Camp is a 14-day field camp for 5th - 12th grade science teachers that provides first-hand experience with the principles of geology in the field, helps you develop new curriculum and virtual fieldtrips for your classroom, and makes learning fun and exciting out-of-doors. This field experience puts you on the outcrops through Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. G-Camp is only run face-to-face. CEU's are currently being developed by the Texas A&M Education department. Applications are due near the end of April and only 30 teachers will be selected to attend G-Camp, see the website for more information about the registration process, daily activities, etc.

Content Area: Earth Science, Geology, Environmental Science
Grade Level: Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: June to August
Cost: Free, Optional cost, Stipend paid, Expenses paid
Professional Development Format: In-Person only

Project Ice
Project Ice is an online and in-residence teacher professional development course with a one-week residence experience offered by the American Meteorological Society's Education Program in partnership with COLDEX and Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest). This course is specifically designed for K-12 teachers who desire to include climate content in their curriculum.

Content Area: Earth Science, Geology, Environmental Science
Grade Level: Primary (K-2), Intermediate (3-5), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
PD Timing: June to August
Cost: Cost to enroll
Professional Development Format: Hybrid