The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) will co-host the Smithsonian Science Education Academies for Teachers: Resilience and STEM Education June 8-16.
This Academy provides teachers with an opportunity to take part in a week-long professional development course behind-the-scenes at Smithsonian museums and other world class research facilities. For the first time, participating educators will split their time across internation borders, spending the first three days of professional development with the SSEC in Washington, D.C., and the remaining four in Panama with STRI. Twenty middle school STEM educators, ten American and ten Panamanian, will be invited to participate. Resilience SSEAT communications and program content will be conducted in English with Spanish translation available.
SSEC and STRI will provide training in transdisciplinary science pedagogy with content guided by scientists, researchers, curators, and educators from a variety of facilities including the Smithsonian. In addition to this formalized programming, educators will be given time and space to share knowledge and deepen their practice through informal communication, collaboration, and intercultural exchange with their peers. Each day, participants will visit Smithsonian museums, facilities, or other sites of cultural and environmental significance to further their understandings of environmental resilience and develop the tools and confidence to bring these multifaceted conversations back into their classrooms. The content of this SSEAT is aligned with the Our Shared Future Strategic Plan and advocates for STEM education that is transdisciplinary, community-based, student-centered and action-oriented.
Participation Requirements:
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Currently teach middle school science, environmental studies, or similar subjects in the United States
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Fluency in English
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Intermediate Spanish proficiency or above (ability to hold an informal conversation)
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Ability to travel to Panama, inlcuding a current passport valid through December 2024
Tentative Program Itinerary:
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Saturday, June 8, 2024: All educators arrive in Washington, DC
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Sunday, June 9-Tuesday, June 11: DC Programs take place
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Wednesday, June 12: Group travels to Panama
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Thursday, June 13-Sunday, June 16: Panama program takes place
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Smithsonian will cover the cost of travel to and within both locations, lodging, and most meals throughout the program.
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PLEASE NOTE: This application is only open to US-based educators.