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

STEM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2024-25

All PD's are currently offered as online, interactive experiences. 
Contact Donna Taylor with questions.

Preview

Foundations of Integrated STEM Education

The Foundations of Integrated STEM Education course engages participants in unpacking the knowledge and skills required of educators interested in 'STEMifying' their teaching (whether they teach a STEM course or would like to add a STEM component to their subject area). The course introduces topics related to students’ STEM identity, school and community, curriculum, and pedagogy, so participants could identify high-quality STEM experiences. Specifically, participants will analyze frameworks for high-quality STEM education, STEM standards and practices, the engineering design process, phenomenon-based teaching, equity and diversity in STEM, and student-centered STEM pedagogy. 

This course can be taken for PDPs or as a 3-credit course as part of the Master’s in Integrated STEM Education.

Dates: Jan. 16 – April 3, 2025, on Thursdays from 6:00-8:45 pm 
Note: Graduate credit option runs through May 8, 2025

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Contact Donna with any questions.

Preview One teacher pointing to an electronic plate while another looks on

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 June & August 2025
Location: WPI Research Labs on Campus (in person)

Applications will open again in January 2025

Preview OpenSciEd Storyline Instructional Model
FREE + Stipend for eligible MA high school science educators!

OpenSciEd Launch for High School Educators

The STEM Education Center at WPI in collaboration with DESE is offering a free 4-day OpenSciEd Launch training for high-school teachers, coaches, and curriculum directors who are in the process of implementing OpenSciEd curriculum. The training will guide educators through the shift toward student-centered science teaching & learning, where students ‘figure out' and explain real-world phenomena, as well as the implementation of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). Throughout the training, participating educators will experience the different routines & pedagogies associated with the OpenSciEd units, as well as work with colleagues to review a subject-specific OSE unit and plan for implementation in their classrooms. Stipend available for MA educators who complete the course requirements. 

Graduate course extension opportunity is available for a reduced fee. 

Preview

OpenSciEd Certified Provider

Dates: February 18-21, 2025 
Time: 8:45 am - 3:30 pm (ET)
Location: Virtual and Interactive on Zoom

REGISTRATION OPENING SOON!

Contact Donna with any questions.

Preview

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!

This curriculum training is offered annually over 4 half-days.

Dates: Oct 18 & 19, Dec 6, 2024 & March 7, 2025 from 9:30 am - 2 pm

Contact Mia with questions or for more information.

REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
If you are interested in bringing this PD to your school, contact Mia for details.

Preview

I am STEM Workshops

Bring STEM to your classroom during MA STEM Week, 2024!  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, 8 new lessons will be added to the library and will include a new caregiver ‘Connections’ letter and lesson rubric. 
 
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: Fall 2024
Location: Online via Zoom

REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

Contact Donna with any questions or for more information.

Preview

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**

Preview

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.

Join our email list!

Join the STEM Education Center mailing list to receive monthly newsletters about opportunities with WPI for PK-12 educators.