Teacher Professional Development

The Center for Excellence in STEM Education offers a variety of teacher professional development opportunities. 

Professional learning focus

Image shows a group of adults in waders near a creek. They are looking at specimens inside of nets.

Place and project-based learning

We focus on place and project based learning in our workshop on Beaver Island. Dig into questioning strategies, various types of inquiry and outdoor learning with us. 

Image shows a woman drawing on a whiteboard. Another person looks on and is smiling.

Ongoing learning communities

Our Educator Institute is a lasting community of educators dedicated to pedagogy, reflection, and supporting future educators. Join our cohort of curious and engaged professionals. 

Summer 2026 Professional Development Opportunities 

Educator Institute

Virtual Meeting May 7, in-person at CMU June 17 & 18, August 4

Develop your own practices for teaching inquiry-based and equity-focused math and science while also contributing to pre-service teachers’ development. This PLC (Professional Learning Community) may develop opportunities for pre-service teachers (and participants) that include: classroom reflection and observation tools, classroom materials, pedagogy support, and in-person classroom experiences.

There will also be opportunities for groups of educators in grade level, building or district to receive coaching support from workshop presenters. Coaching will focus on equitable inquiry-based instruction in math and science. Please let us know if this is something your school or district is interested in - some fees may apply for this service.

Institute participants will receive:

  • up to $600 stipend for time (May – August) for teachers in Gratiot, Isabella, Bay, Arenac, Saginaw, Midland, Clare, and Gladwin Counties.
  • academic year coaching support,

Apply to the Educator Institute

Educators on Beaver Island

Depart Charlevoix July 26, Return to Charlevoix July 30

Apply for this multi-day learning experience! Explore Beaver Island with CMU faculty as we focus on inquiry and UDL with a science focus. This PD is packed with hands-on experiences. FREE and open to formal and informal educators.

Workshop Includes: 

  • meals and lodging on Beaver Island
  • a year of classroom support
  • cross-curricular activities and assessments
  • inquiry activities and research experience

Funding supports teachers in Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Bay, Midland, Saginaw, and Arenac Counties to receive up to a $400 stipend for full participation.

Apply for Educators on Beaver Island

Problem Solved

at Chippewa Nature Center June 23 & 24, August 5 

In partnership with The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), The Center for Excellence in STEM Education is offering a multi-day workshop that is appropriate for K-8 educators of all backgrounds in both formal and informal settings.

Over the course of 3 workshops you will develop a problem-based activity that will use technology as a tool to create a prototype as a solution to a problem and highlight grade level appropriate manufacturing skills.

Technology tools used in the workshops will be available to check-out. Grade level appropriate manufacturing videos and identified skills will be provided.

SCECH hours and a stipend will be available. Tech check out and stipend available for the following counties: Gratiot, Isabella, Clare, Gladwin, Midland, Bay, Arenac and Saginaw. 

Register