Professional Development

I have developed and delivered professional development to both teachers and informal educators.  My goals with professional development is to design an experience where the learners understand the outcomes of the session, take part in adapting materials for their personal use, and have fun.

School Partnership: AdlerChem
Adler Planetarium

During the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 school year, I coached Air Force Academy High School chemistry teachers in integrating a project-based learning experience into the classroom. I oriented staff to the Far Horizons program and coordinated with school leadership to execute a high altitude balloon launch. View a video of a Far Horizons launch.

School Partnerships: Operation Airlift
Adler Planetarium

I led ongoing teacher and STEM Mentor professional development around the Near Space Explorers/Operation Airlift curriculum, working with a total of six schools. 

Digital Media Integration
Adler Planetarium

This partnership program with Columbia College exposes graduate education students to the uses of digital technology in the classroom and in the museum. I coached graduate interns in developing and assessing new Adler education programs that incorporate digital media. 

Professional Development for Informal Educators 
California Science Center

I provided ongoing training to a team of Educators, using the Reflecting on Practice learning program developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science. We developed observation tools to facilitate peer-to-peer conversations about program delivery and best practices in science education.

NGSS & Science Modeling in the Classroom
Adler Planetarium

This professional development session focused on the use of science modeling in the classroom and connections to the NGSS, as well as student engagement techniques derived from user-center design methodology. The workshop was delivered to current K-12 teachers through the Golden Apple Institute, Loyola University, and St. Xavier.
View the Prezi presentation for a walk through of an example session. 

Workshop: Pre-Service Teachers 
Adler Planetarium

During a 2-hour session with pre-service teachers from Loyola University, I related program design and development at the museum to the educational pedagogy the students were actively studying. Students participated in an after school activity and then deconstructed the format  to draw out design choices that fostered collaboration, engagement, and problem solving.

Teacher Advisory Board
Adler Planetarium

The Teacher Advisory Board combined professional development experiences with the integration of teacher voice into Adler programs and exhibits. I increased the consistency of board meetings to once a month and solidified teachers as an integral part of the Adler experience with the creation of a new volunteer role. The Teacher Advisory Board also led the Educator Open House efforts.