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 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 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

Contact Donna with any questions.

Preview One teacher pointing to an electronic plate while another looks on
For Grades 6-12 Educators

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: June 30 - August 8, 2025; and up to 4 follow-up sessions during the academic year
Location: WPI Research Labs on Campus (in person)

Applications will close February 19th

Preview Image showing 3 teachers thinking about AI tools
For PK-12 Educators

AI in STEM Education

This course explores how AI can shape the future of K–12 STEM education by providing educators with the skills and tools to effectively incorporate AI into their teaching. Participants will discover how AI can enhance learning experiences, simplify administrative tasks, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in students. The course will also discuss the strengths and current limitations of existing AI technologies, providing practical advice on its appropriate use and the safeguards educators need to consider. Through interactive workshops, case studies, and discussions on ethical implications, the course focuses on making AI accessible and actionable for educators of all experience levels. No prior experience with AI is required. The course is designed as a virtual, interactive, and collaborative experience.

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

Dates: July 8-11, 2025; those taking the course for graduate credit will continue to meet July 15-17 also.
Time: 8:45 am - 3:30 pm (ET)
Location: Virtual and Interactive on Zoom

REGISTRATION OPENING SOON!

Contact Donna with any questions.

Preview
An OSE Launch for K-12 Educators

Storyline Model of Teaching and Learning Science

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). This course serves as a launch for K-12 educators preparing to teach OpenSciEd or another HQIM science curriculum or those interested in better understanding the storyline model.

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

Preview

OpenSciEd Certified Provider

Dates: July 22 – 25, 2025; 
Time: 8:45 am - 3:30 pm (ET)
Location: Virtual and Interactive on Zoom
Note: Graduate course extension occurs on Tuesday evenings from 6-8:30 pm (ET), Oct. 21-Dec. 9, 2025. (No class on 11/11/25)

REGISTRATION OPENING SOON!

Contact Donna with any questions.

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

OpenSciEd Launch for High School Educators - Summer

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. 

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

Preview

OpenSciEd Certified Provider

Dates: August 5-8, 2025 
Time: 8:45 am - 3:30 pm (ET)
Location: In-person at WPI
Note: Graduate course extension occurs virtually on Tuesday evenings from 6-8:30 pm (ET), Oct. 21-Dec. 9, 2025. (No class on 11/11/25)

REGISTRATION OPEN!

Contact Donna with any questions.

Preview Group of 4 diverse students working together to build something
For PK-16 Educators

Classroom Climate that Supports Diverse STEM Learners

This online synchronous course addresses several elements of high-quality teaching, as well as laying the foundation for the variety of teaching & learning styles in different contexts (PreK-12 classrooms, out of school time settings, etc.). Students will discuss research related to family & community, culturally & linguistically sustaining practices, social & emotional learning, Universal Design for Learning, and engaging all learners in STEM. The course will also address different ways of knowing and learning, and connecting STEM learning to learners’ culture and place. Participants will develop concrete plans to apply course topics into their practice, aligned with professional standards

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

Dates: August 12-15, 2025
Time: 8:45 am - 3:30 pm (ET)
Location: Virtual and Interactive on Zoom
Note: Graduate course extension occurs on Thursday evenings from 6-8:30 pm (ET), Oct. 21-Dec. 9, 2025. (No session on 11/27/25)

REGISTRATION OPENING SOON!

Contact Donna with any questions.

Preview
For Pre-K & Kindergarten Educators

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
Location: Virtual and Interactive on Zoom

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
For PK-7 Educators

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
For PK-12 Educators

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
Location: Virtual and Interactive on Zoom

REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

Contact Donna with any questions.

Join our email list!

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