With the support of the National Science Foundation, we are excited to offer a curriculum-anchored and practicum-based professional development experience for up to 10 future teachers to learn and teach alongside 5th-grade teachers from Bellingham, La Conner, Mt. Baker, and surrounding school districts. 

Professional learning activities will focus on Explore the Salish Sea, a place-based curriculum developed by the SeaDoc Society and now offered by the Pacific Education Institute. Explore the Salish Sea braids together Western and Indigenous knowledge as students investigate their local ecosystem. They then use their evidence to plan and take action as stewards of their local environment. The unit of focus, Ocean Tech, engages students in engineering a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that can be used to explore under the water. 

To help teachers feel well-prepared to implement the curriculum, summer workshops offer an opportunity for them to collaborate with colleagues to implement the Ocean Tech unit in a practicum experience with summer campers. Teachers learn from one another, and students, how to boost engagement and meaningful learning. 

Who can apply?

We are looking for future teachers who...

• Are preparing for a career teaching elementary grades and are interested in working with students in grades 4-6

• Are seeking to deepen their understanding of how to teach science and engineering

• Want to expand their understanding of Indigenous science and place-based instruction

• Are invested in being culturally responsive teachers

What is the commitment?

Future teachers will participate in up to 60 hours of in-person professional learning activities alongside classroom teachers, including: 

• 1 week workshop July 28-August 1 (9am-3pm)

• 1 week co-teaching experience with students (August 4 -August 8 or August 11-14) 

• 20 additional hours of asynchronous learning activities

What will I receive?

Participating preservice teachers will receive 

• $20/hour stipend for up to 80 hours of professional learning 

• Mileage/parking/meals during the workshop,

• Books and materials to support workshop participation

• 2025 WSTA conference registration

What if I have questions?

Please reach out to our project director, Debi Hanuscin, with questions. We're happy to help!

Ready to apply? Fill out this application.