July Story Roundup: Teachers Get Summer Camp Too!
10 summer side quests for teachers worth adding to your bucket list
Author: Brooke Selg
10 summer side quests for teachers worth adding to your bucket list
Author: Brooke Selg
Think summer camp is just for kids? Think again. One of the perks of being a teacher is having summers off, and that time can be a chance to follow your own curiosity. You might spend a week learning from NASA scientists, set sail on a research vessel, explore museum collections or saunter through the woods writing poetry.
Pro tip: Start planning early. Many of these programs open applications several months before summer arrives, so follow them on social media or sign up for newsletters to catch deadlines. And if traveling isn’t an option, there are plenty of online experiences you can do from home (yes, even in your pajamas).
Here are 10 teacher experiences that have serious summer camp for grown-ups vibes.
NASA LiftOff Summer Institute
Teach science, math or tech classes? Spend a week in Austin, Texas exploring space science, connecting with NASA experts, touring aerospace facilities, and trying hands-on STEM activities you can bring back to students. This workshop is hosted by UT Austin in partnership with NASA.
Good to know: Open to preservice teachers, too.
(Source: UT Center for Space Research)
NOAA Teacher at Sea Program
Trade your classroom for an ocean research vessel. Teachers in any grade or subject spend between two weeks and one month at sea as a member of the science team. You’ll work alongside scientists, getting a firsthand look at marine research like charting unknown regions of the sea floor and measuring chemical ocean trends.
Good to know: Applications open well in advance.
(Source: NOAA Fisheries)
Approaching Walden (Concord, MA)
Teachers in any subject explore place-based learning using the writings and philosophy of Henry David Thoreau as a model. This six-day seminar combines nature, literature, natural history and conservation science. Plus, you’ll participate in field visits to Walden Pond. Apply well in advance for acceptance.
Good to know: High school teachers are the primary participants. Graduate students, elementary and middle school teachers and other educators are also welcome.
(Source: The Walden Woods Project)
Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science at the San Diego Zoo
Get a closer look at wildlife conservation in this three-day, two-night workshop exploring animals and the science behind protecting our planet. Designed for middle and high school teachers, as well as informal educators from museums, zoos, nature centers and community organizations, this immersive experience will help you connect classroom concepts to real-world biodiversity challenges.
Good to know: Generous grant-funding includes all meals, lodging and materials for free, as well as a $500 stipend to help offset any travel or childcare expenses, paid upon full completion of the program.
(Source: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)
North Carolina Museum of Art
Want to bring more art into your classroom? Teachers of all subjects and grades explore new ways to integrate art and literacy strategies by using works of art to build students’ reading and writing skills. This online, self-paced course lets you learn anytime, anywhere.
Good to know: Complete the course and earn professional development hours, which many schools count toward a teacher’s ongoing training requirements.
(Source: North Carolina Museum of Art)
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Summer Education Retreat (Ithaca, NY)
Get those binoculars ready because adventure awaits! K-12 teachers in any subject can discover the real-world science of birds, enjoy walks in nature and learn about environmental education from experts in the field. This retreat is open to current and future bird enthusiasts, no experience necessary.
Good to know: Thanks to the generosity of donors, this retreat is offered at little to no cost for participants. Space is limited, so apply early.
(Source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
Get Your Teach On
Whether you’re a preservice teacher or seasoned educator, you can find inspiration and community at a Get Your Teach On conference. This high-energy event takes place in multiple cities and you’ve likely seen it all over social media. Learn new classroom strategies, hear from engaging speakers and leave with fresh classroom ideas and plenty of new teacher friends from around the country.
Good to know: You can also earn professional development certificates while you’re there.
(Source: Hope King Teaching Resources)
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Summer Programs
K-12 teachers explore history through primary sources and sessions led by world-renowned scholars. Rediscover your passion for teaching history and social studies through stories, events and themes that shaped the United States. Choose from a variety of courses covering major events and eras in U.S. history.
Good to know: You’ll find plenty of in-person and online options depending on your topic of choice.
(Source: The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)
Grosvenor Teacher Fellows (National Geographic)
Interested in the adventure of a lifetime? Pre-K-12 teachers with a passion for exploration, geography and global learning can go beyond the classroom and beyond the summer with this two-year fellowship, which includes a fully funded expedition with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. Bring your real-world experiences back to the classroom to inspire students and deepen their understanding of our world. Penguins are optional, but unforgettable stories are guaranteed.
Good to know: Expect a comprehensive application process, as interest is high. If selected, your expedition experience, including travel and program costs, will be fully funded.
(Source: National Geographic Society)
Smithsonian Summer Institutes
Are you a K-12 educator looking to connect art with other subjects like history, social studies and English/Language Arts? Attend a week-long institute exploring art, history and culture at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC. You’ll study museum collections, learn from experts, and explore the stories behind history and culture to enrich your curriculum.
Good to know: Can’t make it to Washington, DC? Additional online opportunities are available.
(Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum)
TEACH is proud to partner with Honored.org, a national non-profit dedicated to recognizing and celebrating great teachers. This month, we are excited to give a special shoutout to an outstanding teacher!
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