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.

 

PAUSE Meditation for Educators

Where do you go when the world is moving too fast? Try the Garden. In today's "grind until the gears fall off" culture, it may feel counterproductive or pointless to take a break. Trust us, it is necessary and vital to your overall wellness. PAUSE (Positively Adapting Using Silence Everyday) gives you skills to retreat within using silence to unlock your new peace. Simply start by giving yourself permission to PAUSE.

Classes will take place outside on Garden grounds (select Thursday’s in September and October) and include a short walk. In-person classes will follow current safety procedures. Virtual classes will take place on select Thursdays in November, December, January, February and March from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Registered educators will be sent information regarding login instructions.

There is no cost for educators to attend PAUSE classes.

View the Full Schedule of Classes and Register

These PAUSE meditation classes are made possible by a grant from the Dewitt and Caroline Van Evera Foundation.

Instructor: Dr. Brittany Conners

 

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
Online Master's Degree
Adult students studying plantsCheck out a graduate degree program that combines web-based courses through Miami University with experiential learning, internships, and field study in person at the Garden. Learn more
EarthWays Sustainability Network (ESN)

The EarthWays Sustainability Network (ESN) is a year-long teacher professional development program that serves to provide waste and recycling support to educators throughout the St. Louis community. This network of trained educators is dedicated to learning more about waste, waste reduction, and recycling, takes a leadership role in their school's efforts to reduce waste and provides peer support and guidance to other educators.
Learn more

Missouri Botanical Garden E-Scoop logo
Check out our Education E-Scoop, a monthly resource featuring outdoor learning tips, science and literacy links and upcoming programs.
Subscribe today!

Tales and Trails

Hiking_Boot_Logo_5-color-2

This summer, join a family reading program that connects nature-inspired books with the great outdoors!
Learn more