With Summer around the corner and schools approaching the end of another semester, both students and teachers are developing plans for the free time on hand. For teachers, there are many summer programs out there that allow teachers to have a productive summer. Some focus on technology and science, while others may include community engagement or classroom environment establishment. Here are a few lists of summer programs teachers can consider to have fun during the holidays, yet at the same time, retain valuable knowledge or experiences that can be utilized in classrooms.
NPS Teacher Ranger Teacher Program
Running out of ideas or resources on lesson planning? Then this TRT program is the one for you. This program offers resources for teachers starting from K-12, where it helps teachers to integrate their teaching skills with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) (The National Parks Service, n.d.). The main goal of their program is to connect the National Park unit with teachers from underserved students in schools. Besides that, teachers will be spending time conducting place-based learning projects in their own fields of interest and developing personalized lesson plans for teachers to utilize in their classrooms. They will also be exposed to various works conducted by employees from different career paths in the National Park unit. Teachers will be able to gain new knowledge or insights towards their teaching skills, enabling them to create an inclusive learning environment that allows students to express themselves and encourage personal developments.
Physics in and Through Cosmology Workshop
Of course, not everyone has the time or effort for in-person programs. If that’s the case, then this remote opportunity might just be the right solution to your problems. This program is targeted towards physics teachers or students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (QuarkNet Workshop, n.d.). Both parties will work together in challenging research related to physics or cosmology. Besides that, this program also aims to create a learning community that emphasizes diversity, equity and inclusion for everyone who participated in this workshop. Another benefit is that this program is completely free of charge yet it provides a unique opportunity to interact with lab scientists, where it allows teachers and students to gain different perspectives in their own fields of interest.
San Francisco’s Exploratorium (Summer Institute for Teachers)
For teachers who are struggling to introduce inquiries in classrooms or are interested in connecting with a supportive teaching community, this summer institute for teachers from San Francisco might sound intriguing for you. This three week program engages teachers in a hands-on, question-based science exploration with fellow participants. This enables teachers to practise their own teaching methods and to discover new ways to improve their learning environments in classrooms. Other learning topics include natural phenomena related to human perception, physical science, life science, earth science, and our environment (Exploratorium, 2022). Not only are there no fees for middle and high school sections of the program, but participants can receive a $2500 allowance (Exploratorium, 2022). They are also eligible to attend alumni institutes or workshops for the rest of their teaching career.
To sum it up, there are many workshops or programs that are made available for teachers during the summer. Teachers should decide whether or not to attend a summer program based on their own availability and interest, not on obligations. These options above are merely suggestions for personal reference, therefore, it is important for interested participants to conduct their own research and choose the right program to suit different needs. The most important thing to remember is that being involved in something you like can make a huge difference in terms of experience and the levels of involvement. Don’t let this unique opportunity go to waste and don’t forget to have fun learning along the way!
Written by: Ya Pey Hew
June 18, 2022
