Teacher Professional Development
Teachers netting invertebrates“The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.”
—Mark Van Doren

At the Missouri Botanical Garden, we regard teachers as close colleagues. The role they play in our world is simply heroic, and we thank them for their daily, unwavering commitment to creating curious, lifelong learners. To support and strengthen teachers, we offer a diversity of courses, workshops and other experiences in the summer and throughout the school year.

Some schools and districts count Garden professional development toward district-required professional development units. College credit is available for select summer workshops.

For more information, please call (314) 577-0819 or e-mail teachertraining@mobot.org.

 

Sustainability Institute for K–12 Educators

The Green Thread: Lessons in Sustainability

June 19–21, 2018
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day
At Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (MICDS)

Join us for the eighth annual Sustainability Institute for Educators as we as we focus the conversation on threading sustainability education through all lessons. The Institute will feature a mix of special guest speakers, tools and resources, and hands-on experiences. We will focus on exploring the connections between sustainability and curriculum, uncovering the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability education, and providing resources, tools, and insight into how we as educators can help support students that are sustainability literate, active stewards of the planet.

More Information and Registration: 

  • $150 registration fee includes speaker fees, breakfast and lunch for all three days.
  • Graduate credit is available for an additional fee. 
  • Scholarships available.

Learn more and register

At Litzsinger Road Ecology Center

The following teacher professional development workshop is offered at Litzsinger Road Ecology Center, which is managed by the Missouri Botanical Garden:

Effective Outdoor Learning
June 12–13, 2018 OR July 17–18, 2018
This 2-day workshop kicks off a year-long partnership with Litzsinger Road Ecology Center (LREC).  Learn how to become familiar with your schoolyard and how to use it a as a rich learning environment with your students.

By participating in this workshop, you may become eligible for:

  • Support from LREC staff in developing outdoor teaching and learning skills throughout the school year
  • Free field trips to the ecology center

Visit Litzsinger Road Ecology Center's website for additional details and to register.

Professional Development Outreach
Administrators—Are you looking for professional development opportunities for your staff?

The Missouri Botanical Garden's School Programs team offers topnotch STEM and inquiry training for K–12 that can be incorporated into an established professional development day or offered as an evening or weekend program at your school. Programs typically last 45–60 minutes and serve up to 30 teachers. Additional programs may be scheduled within the same day to serve larger groups.

Outreach costs for professional development programs are:

  • $150 for the first hour and $50 for each additional hour (to take place the same day).
  • $1/mile over 20 miles.

Professional development programs may be uniquely designed for your school upon request. (Additional planning costs may be incurred. These will be discussed with you prior to scheduling.)

Please call (314) 577-0819 or e-mail teachertraining@mobot.org to discuss programming options.

 

Quick Links
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Check out our Education E-Scoop, a monthly resource featuring outdoor learning tips, science and literacy links and upcoming programs.
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This summer, join a family reading program that connects nature-inspired books with the great outdoors!
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2017 Visualizing Biodiversity Educator Summit