The Montshire STEM Teacher Leader Certificate Program is a year-long experience for classroom teachers designed to create and support a network of classroom teachers who have the tools, knowledge, and passion to become leaders for STEM education in their schools. Work with Montshire Educators and other teachers to enhance your STEM teaching and share your experience back at your school.
Place-based education combined with scientific inspiration and connection with other educators...jackpot!
Develop the skills to support science education in your classrooms
When you see the twinkle of curiosity in your student's eye after looking at ticks through a microscope, you know you're really on to something!
Work side-by-side with fellow educators
Be a changing force in your classroom
Teacher Leader Certificate Program: 2023-24
Over the course of the Teacher Leader program, teachers will participate in over 30 hours of professional development that will include hands-on workshops, seminars on science education, and conversations with scientists and engineers at the Montshire and local organizations.
Sessions give teachers access to the museum’s resources, including staff and community expertise, curriculum resources, a 1-year individual museum membership, and exhibit areas.
Over the course of the school year, participating teachers will:
The Montshire’s education team will serve as the core faculty for this program. Each Montshire staff member will offer their depth and diversity of expertise in STEM education.
During the following school year (2024-2025), each participant is expected to share their experience in the Teacher Leader program through a STEM education professional development experience for their colleagues. This can occur during an in-service day, faculty meeting period, or at a regional or state-wide teacher conference within 1 year of completing the program.
A $300 stipend will be provided to each participating teacher to support food and any additional expenses for classroom use. Montshire will also reimburse participants for their travel separately.
STEP 1: Complete and submit the application.
STEP 2: Download, complete, and submit the letter of support from your school principal who will then forward the form to the Montshire.
Letter of support from the applicant’s school Principal allowing for 5 professional development days, and 3 after-school online sessions; that they will support the applicant leading a professional development workshop for their community; and that the teacher is an appropriate candidate for the program.
| Program Components | Details |
| Kick-Off institute: October 18, 9am - 3pm |
An introduction to inquiry-based science, engineering and experimental design through the lens of NGSS, as well as an opportunity to set and share goals for the year. |
| Group Collaboration: Curriculum Workshopping: November 7, 9am - 3pm |
Participating teachers and museum educators work in small groups, based on curriculum needs and interests, to further their own classroom lessons and activities. |
| Three Workshop Sessions: December 12, 9am - 3pm February 13, 9am - 3pm April 17, 9am - 3pm |
Full-day workshops, each focuses on a specific science content area and related science practices. Each workshop includes the following components: a. Inquiry-Based Professional Development Workshop b. Lesson Share and Reflection, facilitated by a participating teacher c. Cohort Field Trip or Visit, where teachers meet with field-based experts and scientists |
| “Teach the Teachers” Workshop January 9/10 March 12/13 May 14/15 |
Each Teacher Leader will create a professional development workshop for colleagues at their school. This process is supported with video conferences throughout the school year with Montshire Educators and fellow Teacher Leaders. Depending on the number of participants, this may take place over 1 or 2 afternoon sessions lasting about 60-90 minutes after school, ending by 4:30pm. |
Please reach out to Adam Blankenbicker, Director of Education, if you have any questions: adam.blankenbicker@montshire.org
Applications are due by September 22. Accepted applicants will be notified by September 29.