STEM Professional Development at WPI & Online
The STEM Education Center offers a variety of professional development workshops for teachers during the academic year as well as throughout the summer. We focus on enriching STEM education in the classroom at both the subject specific level and as fully integrated subject content & practices across STEM fields. Scroll down to review the upcoming PD offerings.
Please note: All workshops require a minimum number of registrations to run. For more information about any of these professional development opportunities, please email Donna Taylor at dltaylor@wpi.edu
Find Teacher Resources HERE
2023 STEM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
All PD's are currently offered as online, interactive experiences.
Contact Donna Taylor with questions.

Storyline Model of Teaching and Learning Science
A DESE Funded OAPL Course
The Storyline Model of Teaching and Learning Science brings a shift in teaching science and engineering - putting the students at the center and allowing them to drive instruction as they 'figure out' and explain a key phenomenon. The goal of the PD is to support the shift towards student-centered science teaching & learning, as well as the implementation of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM).
Dates: February break: Tues., Feb. 20 – Fri., Feb. 23, 2024
FREE (+stipends) for currently-employed Massachusetts Public and Charter School Educators whose work relates to science in grades PK-12
Contact Donna with any questions.
REGISTRATION OPEN! (Waitlist only)

Summer Research Experiences at WPI
Apply to be part of the WPI RET (Research Experiences for Teachers) Site: Engineering for People and the Planet for middle and high school STEM teachers to conduct paid research for 6 full weeks at WPI in a team with a WPI faculty member and pre-service teacher. Research experiences focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for an integrated approach of learning and doing science, math, and engineering through real-world problems. Teachers will participate in professional development to translate their research experience into classroom activities, as well as present their work to broader audiences.
Dates: Six weeks between June 24 - Aug 9, 2024
Location: WPI Research Labs on Campus (in person)
Applications for Summer 2024 opening in January

STEM Educator Certificate Course
Join us for the 10th cohort of the STEM Educator Certificate Course, which engages participants in unpacking the knowledge and skills required of STEM educators, while adapting the content to their subject area, students, and community. The course covers topics such as the framework for high-quality STEM, standard-alignment, the engineering design process, diversity and equity in STEM, real world connection, and STEM pedagogy. The final project is an integrated STEM Challenge, which is aligned with all the components of high-quality STEM. Graduate credit is available.

Dates: Summer 2024 (dates TBD)
Contact Donna with any questions.
REGISTRATION opening in January

Seeds of STEM
Problem Panda has a LOT of problems! Step into the shoes of a preschool student and experience this hands-on approach to doing STEM with young children. Our curriculum binder, color images and Problem Panda can be included! Come play with us!
Dates: (2 sessions to choose from)
- Session 1: July 6 & 7, Dec 8, 2023 & March 8, 2024
- Session 2: Oct 13 & 14, Dec 8, 2023 & March 8, 2024
Contact Mia with questions or for more information.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Also consider inquiring about In-School PD's

I am STEM Workshops
Bring STEM to your classroom during MA STEM Week, 2023! The I am STEM – STEM I am lesson library engages students, grades PK-7, in solving problems in books and is designed to empower students to become proud problem solvers. With continued support from the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council, the library has 8 new lessons and now includes more lessons for grades 6-7.
The I am STEM PD is FREE and open to any PK-7 educator (in and out of school) interested in implementing a design challenge with their students. This interactive and engaging 90-minute session will introduce you to the problem-solving process, show you how to navigate the library, and allow you to briefly explore grade-level lessons and try out an activity with colleagues.
Dates/Times: Choose the one that works best for you!
9/19, 9/27, 10/2 OR 10/12 from 6-7:30 pm
9/29 OR 10/9 from 9:30-11 am
Location: Online via Zoom
Contact Donna with any questions or for more information.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

OpenSciEd & Storyline Training
Join us for our Storyline and OpenSciEd (OSE) training for middle school educators and coaches. Discover the Storyline model, a student led process for teaching and learning science and the shift it brings to student engagement and motivation. Explore OSE, a high quality and open resource curriculum, through our interactive PD experience, and connect with colleagues to practice techniques and prepare for implementation that will transform your science classroom. This is the PD you've been waiting for, so don't miss out!
**OpenSciEd CERTIFIED PROVIDER**

Dates: TBA
Note: The number of spaces are limited and will be determined on a first-come first-served basis.
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
If you are interested in bringing this PD to your school, please contact Donna for more information.
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