2026 Professional Development Workshops
Three-Day Workshops
These weekend-long workshops are open to teachers of all grade levels and subjects and will focus on hands-on activities teachers can lead with their students. Sessions will include both classroom portions and visits to field sites. Optional on-site housing and meals in our dining hall are included in the registration cost.
*Please note, these workshops are open only to educators. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate family members participating. If you are interested in attending one of our programs with your family, you can find more information about our family camps here.
*Please note, these workshops are open only to educators. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate family members participating. If you are interested in attending one of our programs with your family, you can find more information about our family camps here.
2026 Dates:
May 1-3: Human Impacts to Coastal Ecosystems
July 24-26: Biology & Chemistry of Coastal Ecosystems
September 18-20: Geological Processes that Shape Coastal Ecosystems
Cost: TBA
May 1-3: Human Impacts to Coastal Ecosystems
July 24-26: Biology & Chemistry of Coastal Ecosystems
September 18-20: Geological Processes that Shape Coastal Ecosystems
Cost: TBA
Custom Workshops
Tailored to fit your needs.Develop a custom professional development experience for your staff or fellow educators! Teachers and educators will learn topics and activities in the field that they can apply to their own program or take back to the classroom. Choose from a variety of topics and hands-on activities that fit the needs of your educators. Classes are led by experienced environmental educators who have extensive knowledge in the field of marine biology, coastal ecology, and oceanography.
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Questions?For questions and more information contact:
Claire Teachey Program Coordinator [email protected] (757) 824-5636 x 109 |
Quick LinksFunding resources for professional development located at
the bottom of this page! |
Any grade level.These programs are ideal for range of professional educators from formal K-12 teachers to informal educators from all subject fields. We will work with you to adjust our lessons and curriculum to best fit your staff.
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Variety of topics.
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Custom schedules.Create a custom schedule that fits the needs of your educators or staff. Programs can range from 1/2 day training up to 6 days. Commute to us daily if you are local or stay overnight in our residence halls. Dining services also available.
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Example Schedule
This is one example of a professional development schedule.
Please keep in mind that program length and classes can be customized specifically to your groups needs and interests.
Please keep in mind that program length and classes can be customized specifically to your groups needs and interests.
Funding Opportunities for Professional Development
The NEA Foundation Learning and Leadership Grant
Educators frequently need outside resources to engage in meaningful professional development due to limited district funding. Through their Learning & Leadership grants, they support the professional development of NEA members by providing grants to: Individuals to participate in high-quality professional development like summer institutes, conferences, seminars, travel abroad programs, or action research; or Groups to fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson plan development, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff.
Fund for Teachers
Fund for Teachers strengthens instruction by investing in outstanding teachers' self-determined professional growth and development in order to support student success, enrich their own practice, and strengthen their schools and communities.
McCarthey Dressman Teacher Development Grants
The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation believes that continuous, insightful and innovative professional training and growth is crucial to the effectiveness of educators. The Teacher Development Grants support small teams of teachers in the formation and implementation of groundbreaking k-12 classroom instruction.
Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants
State Farm is working towards creating strong neighborhoods and educational communities by supporting teacher development programs.
Educators frequently need outside resources to engage in meaningful professional development due to limited district funding. Through their Learning & Leadership grants, they support the professional development of NEA members by providing grants to: Individuals to participate in high-quality professional development like summer institutes, conferences, seminars, travel abroad programs, or action research; or Groups to fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson plan development, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff.
- Organization: The National Education Association
- Amount: Either $2,000 or $5,000
- Deadline: February 1, June 1, or October 15
- Website: https://www.neafoundation.org/for-educators/learning-and-leadership-grants/
Fund for Teachers
Fund for Teachers strengthens instruction by investing in outstanding teachers' self-determined professional growth and development in order to support student success, enrich their own practice, and strengthen their schools and communities.
- Organization: Fund for Teachers
- Amount: Individuals up to $5,000, Teams up to $10,000
- Website: https://fft.fundforteachers.org/
McCarthey Dressman Teacher Development Grants
The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation believes that continuous, insightful and innovative professional training and growth is crucial to the effectiveness of educators. The Teacher Development Grants support small teams of teachers in the formation and implementation of groundbreaking k-12 classroom instruction.
- Organization: The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Application Open: January 15 – April 15
- Website: https://mccartheydressman.org/teacher-development-grants/
Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants
State Farm is working towards creating strong neighborhoods and educational communities by supporting teacher development programs.
- Organization: State Farm
- Amount: More than $5,000
- Application Open: September 1 – October 31
- Website: https://www.statefarm.com/about-us/community-involvement/community-grants/good-neighbor-citizenship-grants
