On Demand K-12 Educator Professional Development Offerings from NCSSM

The North Carolina School of Science and Math Division of Extended Learning provides free professional development opportunities and trainings for K-12 public school teachers throughout North Carolina. We offer customizable sessions, workshops, Professional Learning Communities, book studies, conference sessions, and more. These opportunities can be scheduled at the convenience of schools or districts and can be conducted virtually or in-person. These opportunities vary from 45 minute presentations to multi-day events and can be offered in virtual settings, or in-person on NCSSM Morganton Campus, NCSSM Durham Campus, and Home Districts. 

Professional Development and Training by Request

Thank you for your interest in teacher professional development workshops offered by the NCSSM Extended Learning Team. Unfortunately we are now fully booked for the 2024-2025 school year. Please use the linked form to apply for PD programming for the 2025-2026 school year. 

A Crash Course in Classroom Assessment Techniques

In this session, participants will discuss the use and impact of various assessment methods on learners and learning, comparing and contrasting formative and summative assessments. You'll discover innovative ideas, gain practical strategies, and identify an assessment strategy or template to try in your classroom. Elevate your assessment methods and drive student success with actionable insights from this workshop.

Available in person or virtually 

Backwards Design: Begin with the End in Mind 

Unlock the full potential of your curriculum planning with our workshop on Backward Design, a method that starts with desired outcomes and works backward to develop instruction. Ideal for K-12 educators, this interactive session covers setting clear learning objectives, creating aligned assessments, and designing effective instructional activities. Join us to transform your teaching approach and create more focused, engaging learning experiences for your students.

Available in person or virtually 

Beating the Group Work Blues: Scaffolding Student Collaborations

We’ll kick off this session with a discussion of some of the most common challenges we face with group projects in the classroom: lack of student communication skills, bossy student leaders, and disengaged group members. Participants will explore tools like a Team Charter template from LucidSpark for starting teamwork off on the right foot and quick and effective check-in strategies in Google Slides for ensuring all team members are on the same page. These strategies transcend one-and-done group projects to develop transferable skills for the world beyond our classrooms.

Available in person or virtually  

Blend It Better: Introduction to SAMR 

In this session we will examine several STEM lesson plans from the pre-pandemic era and workshop them using the SAMR model to meet ISTE Standards and increase student engagement and collaboration. Participants will walk away with strategies to revive their old lesson plans, access to lesson plans ready to use in the classroom on Monday morning, and a new perspective for how to use technology to strengthen today’s instruction.  

Available in person or virtually 

Collaborative and Cooperative Learning Strategies

Enhance your classroom dynamics with our workshop on Collaborative and Cooperative Learning Strategies using Kagan Structures, designed to promote active student engagement and teamwork. This session will introduce Kagan’s research-based cooperative learning structures, which provide practical methods for organizing classroom activities that foster collaboration and build social skills. Participants will learn to implement these strategies to increase student participation, improve academic achievement, and create a positive classroom environment. Join us to master the techniques needed to transform your teaching practice with effective, student-centered collaborative learning.

Available in person or virtually 

CRA in the Math Classroom (Concrete, Representational, Abstract)

The professional development session focuses on the CRA (Concrete-Representational-Abstract) model for teaching math. Participants will engage as learners to experience the model firsthand. The session includes resources and strategies to help teachers effectively implement the CRA approach in their classrooms, ensuring a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts for students.

Available in person 



Differentiated Instruction and Personalized Learning

Transform your teaching with our workshop on Differentiated Instruction and Personalized Learning, designed to help educators meet the diverse needs of their students. This session will explore strategies for tailoring instruction to individual interests and abilities, ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed. Participants will learn to create flexible lesson plans, utilize formative assessments effectively, and incorporate technology to support personalized learning paths. Join us to develop the skills needed to create an inclusive, student-centered classroom that fosters growth and engagement for every learner.

Available in person or virtually 


Engineering Process in the 5-8 or 9-12 Classroom

The professional development session on the Engineering Design Process introduces participants to what it is and how to apply it in the classroom. Educators will participate as learners to experience the process themselves, gaining practical insights and techniques for integrating this approach into their teaching practices. The session emphasizes hands-on learning and provides strategies to support students in understanding and applying the Engineering Design Process effectively.

Available in person 


Evaluating AI-Generated Lesson Plans

This professional development session is designed to help educators evaluate the quality of AI-generated lesson plans. Participants will be introduced to a structured approach and a rubric for assessing these lessons, ensuring they meet high educational standards. The session provides practical tools and guidance for determining the effectiveness and appropriateness of AI-generated content for classroom use.

Available in person or virtually 


Getting Started with Systems Thinking in the Classroom 

What is Systems Thinking (ST) and how can you use it in your classroom? In this session, participants will be introduced to Systems Thinking through interactive examples, discussion, and classroom templates using Google Slides and Jamboard. Participants will have the opportunity to generate Slice-of-the System (SoS) maps, brainstorm strategies for incorporating SoS maps in the classroom, and adopt a Systems Thinking approach for helping students connect their learning to the world around them. 

Available in person or virtually 


Getting Started with Probes and Sensors in the STEM Classroom Training 

How are we monitoring and protecting our environment for future generations? Join us as we explore water quality through data and research using a blend of high and low-tech options! Vernier probeware will be used to test the following parameters in water samples: temperature, pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Dissolved Oxygen, and Turbidity. Test strips will be used to test other chemical parameters.

Available in person 

Hands-On Biology 

This workshop is designed to empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources to deliver effective hands-on biology instruction. By immersing teachers in practical strategies, engaging experiments, and safety protocols, this program aims to enhance the teaching and learning of biology in a dynamic and interactive manner.

Available in person 


Hands-On Chemistry

This workshop is designed to empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources to deliver effective hands-on chemistry instruction. By immersing teachers in practical strategies, engaging experiments, and safety protocols, this program aims to enhance the teaching and learning of chemistry in a dynamic and interactive manner.

Available in person 


Implementing Data Science in the Classroom

This session will demystify data science and highlight several curricula and tools that you could use to bring data science to your school to supercharge your students' learning. No previous experience with data science is required! Topics and materials from this session align to ISTE Standards for Students 1.3, and 1.5.

Available in person or virtually 


Inquiry-based Learning

Join us for an engaging workshop tailored for educators seeking to enhance their teaching approach through inquiry-based learning and model creation. In this interactive session, teachers will explore strategies for fostering curiosity and critical thinking skills through hands-on inquiry activities. Participants will also learn how to effectively integrate models into their lessons, empowering students to construct and communicate their understanding of complex concepts across various subjects. Walk away with practical tools and techniques to inspire active learning and deeper conceptual comprehension in your classroom.

Available in person 

Interdisciplinary Planning and Teaching

In this session, teachers will explore interdisciplinary planning and teaching, focusing on its importance for student learning. They will engage as learners in the process, gaining practical experience in how to effectively integrate multiple disciplines into their teaching. Additionally, the session will provide resources and strategies for teachers to take back to their classrooms, enabling them to implement interdisciplinary approaches that enhance student engagement and foster deeper understanding across various subjects.

Available in person or virtually 


Introduction to Standards-Based Grading

This session is tailored to educators seeking a comprehensive understanding of standards-based grading (SBG) and its implementation in the classroom. By exploring the philosophy, strategies, and benefits of SBG, participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assess student learning, provide meaningful feedback, and enhance overall instructional practices.

Available in person or virtually 


Pedagogy and Protocols for the Math Classroom

Join us for an engaging workshop focusing on enhancing your math classroom through effective pedagogy and protocols. Explore innovative teaching strategies to cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving. Walk away with practical tools and techniques to elevate your math instruction and empower your students' success.

Available in person or virtually 

Pedagogy and Protocols for the Science Classroom

Join us for an engaging workshop focusing on enhancing your science classroom through effective pedagogy and protocols. Explore innovative teaching strategies to cultivate critical thinking and inquiry-based learning. Learn how to establish and integrate protocols for classroom management, fostering a dynamic and safe learning environment. Walk away with practical tools and techniques to elevate your science instruction and empower your students' success. 

Available in person 


Problem-Based Learning in STEM

This workshop outlines the key characteristics of problem-based learning (PBL) and will help educators develop lessons for this approach. The session aims to empower educators by providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate and utilize this educational methodology effectively in their classrooms. Participants will gain access to valuable resources for crafting engaging and effective lesson plans based on this approach. 

Available in person or virtually 


Project-Based Learning in STEM

In this session, we'll break down project-based learning (PBL) and show educators how to create PBL lessons aligned to their standards. The aim is to give educators the tools and knowledge to use PBL effectively in their classrooms. Participants will also gain access to useful resources for making engaging and successful PBL lesson plans.

Available in person or virtually 


Science Lab Safety Training 

Wondering if your science lab safety programs are outdated? Which safety regulations apply to your school? Are your chemicals labeled and stored properly? Do you have Safety Data Sheets for your hazardous chemicals? Are proper protocols in place to protect your employees and students? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, we can provide you with the knowledge base, resources, and a variety of tools to support you as you train other teachers in your school or system! Participants will gain familiarity with OSHA regulations that affect schools (HazCom Standard CFR 1910.1200, Lab Standard CFR 1910.1450, and many others) and recommendations from other professional agencies on how to address these regulations. Come prepared to create or improve upon your school science lab safety or Chemical Hygiene Plan. Receive free resources and information so that YOU can train other teachers in your school or science department.

Available in person 


Student Levels of Engagement

This session will unpack research around student engagement, explore various strategies and techniques to increase student participation, motivation, and interest in the classroom. Participants will learn to design lessons that capture students' attention, utilize formative assessments to gauge and improve engagement, and incorporate technology and interactive activities to maintain high levels of student involvement. Join us to develop the skills needed to foster a classroom atmosphere where every student is actively engaged and invested in their learning.

Available in person or virtually 


Team Teaching

This session will clarify what is team teaching.  After the session, learners will recognize the different models of team teaching. We will also help learners identify the characteristics your partner brings to the team teaching experience (with the goal of appreciating those traits), and help teams initiate a team teaching collaboration plan for the school year

Available in person or virtually 


Using AI as Your TA

This professional development session introduces teachers to the use of AI in education, focusing on practical applications like creating lesson plans, providing grading and feedback, and enhancing communication. The session aims to equip educators with the skills and knowledge to integrate AI tools into their daily teaching practices, improving efficiency and effectiveness in managing classroom tasks and student interactions. Through hands-on activities and discussions, teachers will explore how AI can streamline their workload and enhance their instructional strategies.


Available in person or virtually