STEAM Learning Series
STEAM Professional Learning Network
Join the STEAM Learning Network and gain access to the minds of hundreds of STEAM educators across the country. With access to the network you will be invited to monthly meetups, take free and reduced cost workshops, be the first to know and join conferences for reduced rates, and so much more! We can’t wait for what’s in store!
Designed for: Educators, Administrators, ROE’s, University Faculty, and anyone interested in STEAM!
Length: Annual membership
Mode: Virtual or In person
STEAM 101
This hands-on session is the perfect way to introduce staff to an authentic learning environment. It teaches the basics of STEAM programming in the classroom and discusses the impact of cross-curricular learning. The workshop can be delivered as a half-day session or extend the learning with a full day workshop. Either way, participants will explore the STEAM framework and walk away with actionable new ideas. The workshop will help even the most nervous teacher feel more comfortable and confident integrating STEAM into their classrooms.
Designed for: Teachers (all disciplines), Administrators, student facing teaching/support staff.
Length: 1/2 day and full day
Mode: In person
STEAM Starter
This short one-hour training is designed to gently introduce staff and students into an authentic learning environment. It teaches the basics of STEAM programming in the classroom and discusses the impact of cross-curricular learning. The course will help even the most nervous teacher feel more comfortable and confident integrating STEAM into their classrooms.
Designed for: Teachers (all disciplines), Administrators, After School staff, Counselors, Camp Counselors, etc.
Length: 1 hour
Mode: Online
Building STEAM
This fully interactive and engaging workshop is an excellent choice for districts and schools to help incorporate authentic learning Opportunities across grades, subject areas and academic levels. Designed with the educator in mind, it walks you through how to build STEAM (authentic learning) lessons and activities for your classrooms and schools. The goal is collaboration, innovative thinking and student-centered learning.
Designed for: Teachers (all disciplines)
Length: 2 full days plus online coaching; 10 hours plus online coaching
Mode: In Person or Online
Assessing Feedback and STEAM Practices
While authentic learning is awesome and the outcomes are incredible, how do you know if it’s STEAM? This course is designed to walk you through our one-point rubric system and help you begin to seek feedback as you are planning your lessons. The course will walk you through how to evaluate all lessons, whether they are yours or you purchased them through TPT (we won’t tell), for authenticity and engagement. For administrators, there is a tool to help craft conversations around STEAM integrations and authentic teaching practices. There is also a tool that educators can use to start talking with students about their learning and input. The opportunities for use are impactful, meaningful, and designed to help with continued growth and development through collaborative practices.
Prerequisite: STEAM Starter AND Building STEAM prior or show knowledge of STEAM practices prior to taking this course.
Designed for: Teachers (all disciplines)
Length: 1/2 day
Mode: In Person
Building in PBL
This workshop is designed to help STEAM teachers build units that increase student voice and choice. It will help educators focus on which standards to select, how to pair with subject experts, identify community partnerships, and bring service learning to the forefront of what they are doing.
Prerequisite: STEAM Starter AND Building STEAM prior or show knowledge of STEAM practices prior to taking this course.
Designed for: Teachers (all disciplines)
Length: 1/2 day
Mode: In Person
Custom Professional Development Services
Onsite, Hands-on Workshops
NIU STEAM experts come to your location to facilitate 1/2 day, full day or multi-day workshops. All workshops are hands-on, interactive and high energy. They could be focused on general STEAM Framework concepts or more targeted on specific program implementation such as connecting STEAM and literacy through STEAM stories or building a STEAM after school programming.
Designed for: Schools, Teacher Groups, ROE Engagement, Institute Days, After School Programs, and more!
Length: 1/2 day or Full Day (extended)
Mode: In Person
Virtual Coaching
Spend time with an NIU STEAM educator collaborating, planning, assessing, seeking feedback, and more! The time is yours to book and utilize for all of your STEAM needs.
Designed for: Anyone!
Length: Hourly
Mode: Online
Onsite Coaching/Co-Teaching
Invite NIU STEAM educators to work one-on-one with teachers or with teacher teams to plan, co-deliver, and gather feedback with students. Afterwards, spend time reflecting on the process and growing through your learning.
Designed for: Teachers (all disciplines), Administrators, After School Programs
Length: 1/2 day or Full Day
Mode: In person
STEAM Curricular Units
These week to month long curricular units are geared towards schools who are implementing summer school programs, just starting with STEAM lessons and practices, or who need a STEAM boost. They are carefully curated and come with lesson plans, facilitator guides, and supply lists (including any book recommendations). They are aligned to standards, and in many situations are able to be scaffolded up or down depending on your student’s needs. Each unit comes with an hour of virtual coaching for implementation.
Designed for: Schools, Educators, Districts, etc.
Length: 1 week – 1 month; varies depending on your needs
Mode: Virtual
