May Professional Development Opportunities

NSTA’s upcoming web seminars offer practical insights, fresh ideas, and timely support for science educators. From classroom strategies to curriculum guidance, there’s something for everyone. Explore what’s coming up and register to save your spot!

Preparing Students for Emerging Fields in STEMM: Workforce Trends, Career Pathways, and Classroom Strategies | May 6 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM ET

The Science of Hurricanes, Earth’s Most Powerful Storms | May 7 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM ET

The ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) professional development workshops for educators, both formal and nonformal, are sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Professional Development Hours are available.

It’s All About the Phenology: Exploring the Timing of Nature

Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield

Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9 AM - 3 PM

Cost: $10 (plus $1 convenience fee)

When does spring start? When do the flowers bloom? How does nature know when to start a different time of year? It's all about the phenology or timing. Learn about this concept and how you can bring it to your students in your classroom. ways. Phenology is a great way for students to explore the changes happening in nature due to climate change. Explore different ways to collect data with students of all ages, connect it to common core math you are already doing in your classroom, and help students understand nature in new ways. Discover the art of nature journaling to document nature and the connections to language arts and writing.

Visit https://www.enticeworkshops.com/ to register and see other professional development opportunities!

Future Planning Professional Development Series/Opportunities

The Science Steering Committee, ROE 47 and ISBE are excited to share this FREE experience and learn with you!

The Illinois Science Summit in Peoria, IL is a high-energy, three-day professional learning experience designed directly from feedback gathered in the Fall Science Educator Needs Assessment. Every session, location, and learning experience reflects what Illinois science educators said they need most: hands-on learning, real-world connections, strong NGSS alignment, and practical strategies that translate immediately to the classroom.

Join science educators from across the state for immersive, place-based learning at some of Peoria’s most exciting science, STEM, and engineering destinations.

Register for one, two, or all three days—each day stands on its own while building toward a powerful, cohesive experience.

What You’ll Experience

• Authentic, hands-on science learning at the Peoria Zoo, Luthy Botanical Garden, Riverfront Museum, Planetarium, OSF Jump Simulation Center, and Caterpillar Visitors Center
• Life, Earth, Space, and Engineering Science in action, grounded in real-world phenomena and systems thinking
• STEM and STEAM innovation through makerspaces, microscopy, healthcare simulation, engineering design, and AR integration
• Classroom-ready strategies for inquiry-based instruction, student engagement, and NGSS alignment
• Collaboration with fellow educators statewide, including discussion, resource sharing, and implementation support

🕘 Daily Schedule

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

📌 Registration is limited to 100 educators per day

Click on the images for more information for each day below! 

Cost: $225

When: June 16th-18th, 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

Find more information HERE or contact Steve Gariepy at mammoth@siu.edu

At Glacier's End: A 3-Day Educator's Workshop

At Glacier’s End is an educator workshop introducing Illinois educators to a Natural-Divisions-Education-based framework for setting natural and other sciences and courses of study into a connective framework, based in place. Bridging curriculum, existing available resources, school and public programs, educational sites, and integrated experiential field programs. Including variable combinations of these educational vectors depending on settings and populations.

Field naturalists from the Forest Preserves of Cook County and NGSS experts from the Illinois Science Teaching Association present:   

Science Workshop – Field Biology

Earn professional development hours while spending your time outside in the forest preserves! This workshop will develop your knowledge and understanding of local natural communities and you will gain experience in field survey techniques. Activities will include observation and sense making of natural phenomena, identification skill development, field trips to local natural communities, and field data collection and interpretation. Field experiences will focus on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Supplemental classroom resources will be provided and ways to make your experience relevant to students will be discussed in an NGSS session.

 Registration required, slots are limited

Cost: $75 for all 3 Days

Where: Sagawau Environmental Learning Center

12545 W 11th Street, Lemont, IL 60439

When: Tuesday July 14th - Thursday, July 16th 9:30 am - 2:30 pm

15 PDCHs - no additional charge!