EDUCATION >>
UEI Professional Development for Teachers
As part of the UEI Field Studies program, UEI offers a variety of professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance their curriculum instructional capacity:
The Summer Institute
The Summer Institute is a four week workshop that brings together educators and environmental professionals in a collaborative effort to explore the biological and social aspects of urban ecosystems. It builds a base for understanding how urban ecosystems function and respond to change. Further, it establishes sound scientific observation and sampling techniques for educators to implement with their students and provides a forum for discussions about pedagogical strategies that promote student learning and enhance stewardship.
Massachusetts teachers can earn Professional Development Points through participation in the Summer Institute and certain participants are eligible for a stipend. Participants may also register for graduate credit through Boston College's Lynch School of Education.
Workshops
Throughout the school year, professional development workshops serve to orient teachers to the Urban Ecology Field Studies curriculum and provide a forum for participants to share their experiences and recommendations as educators in the field.
Each workshop is focused on a particular field studies subject or an important element of the field studies experience. Many workshops will introduce new lessons and field studies options, providing opportunities for participants to learn new scientific protocol firsthand. UEI ecologists and education staff will be on hand to address any questions or concerns. All UEI teachers who complete at least 10 hours of professional development are eligible to receive Professional Development Points at a rate of one point per hour of participation.
Student Conferences
The Urban Ecology Institute hosts citywide student conferences twice each year for classrooms participating in the Urban Ecology Field Studies program. With conferences held both in spring and summer, UEI gives students and their teachers the opportunity to showcase urban ecological research among fellow students, teachers, UEI staff, and community leaders.
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