Professional Development Programs for K-12 Teachers

2026 Summer Workshops Calendar (.PDF, 101 KB)

Promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education among K-12 students is vital to meeting the nation’s needs for workers in the STEM fields. The need for students to be inspired to pursue careers in the STEM fields continues to grow, and ORAU is committed to providing the support necessary to improve education, research and innovation.

STEM teachers from Kindergarten through high school, and others interested in the STEM fields, can choose from a number of professional development opportunities provided by ORAU. These summer workshops for teachers are ideal for strengthening lesson plans, learning new tips for student engagement, as well as learning about new technologies for K-12 classrooms.

If you're a teacher looking for information about Extreme Classroom Makeover, please visit the Extreme Classroom Makeover page to learn more about this exciting opportunity to outfit your classroom with the latest tech!

In-person sessions will take place at ORAU in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Virtual sessions will take place via Zoom.

Teachers who attend an in-person professional development session at ORAU will have the opportunity to “shop” our inventory of free books, posters, and other educational resources.

Teachers who attend an in-person session will be entered to win a door prize. Door prizes will be awarded at each in-person session.

Increasing Engagement and Problem Solving in the Secondary Math Classroom (Virtual session)

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: 6-12th Grade Teachers
Instructor: Megan Webb, Math Teacher, Walker Valley High School
Date: June 2, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT

In this workshop, you’ll explore how to effectively integrate online tools like Amplify to support content instruction and encourage dynamic student exploration. We’ll also dive into the benefits of using Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (VNPS) to foster collaborative problem-solving and active learning. Additionally, you’ll learn how to implement station rotations to create an interactive, student-centered classroom environment that promotes deeper understanding and engagement.
Bold School Blended Learning

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: K-12 Educators/Administrators
Instructor: Shelby Woods, Computer Science Educator, Sevier County Junior High, Sevierville, TN
Date: June 3, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT

Bold School reestablishes the teacher's role in effective instruction. It combines Blended pedagogies with Old School wisdom, creating a straightforward framework for Strategic Blended Learning™. This methodology focuses on purposeful technology use to enhance instruction and ultimately improve student achievement.
Nuclear Science – From Atoms to Energy (In-person session)New

Session Format: In-Person

Target Audience: K-8th Grade Teachers
Instructor: Kris Light
Date: June 4, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT

This workshop equips K–8 teachers with a stronger, more confident understanding of nuclear science. Participants will explore key concepts in nuclear energy through engaging, hands‑on demonstrations designed to make complex ideas accessible. The session also provides practical strategies for communicating nuclear science to students in appropriate, meaningful ways. Teachers will leave with ready‑to‑use activities and a deeper foundation for bringing nuclear science into their classrooms.
Entrepreneurship in the Classroom (Virtual session)New

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: K-8th Grade Teachers
Instructor: Shawn Carson, Entrepreneurship Curriculum Director, UTK Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Date: June 10, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT

This workshop introduces teachers to practical ways of integrating entrepreneurship into the classroom, helping students build creativity, problem‑solving skills, and an innovative mindset. Learn from experts from the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at UT Knoxville who will share real‑world insights and examples drawn from the Center’s mission to empower future entrepreneurs. Participants will explore accessible resources and classroom‑ready activities that bring entrepreneurial thinking to life for younger learners. By the end of the session, teachers will gain tools and confidence to nurture student-led ideas and support authentic, project‑based learning experiences.
Minecraft Education – Introduction for Beginners

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: K-12th Grade Teachers
Instructor: Howard Dale, Teacher, Kingsport City Schools
Date: June 16, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT

The Minecraft for STEM Education workshop will focus on how students can use Minecraft Education as a STEM tool and how it can easily be used for PBL opportunities. Teachers will learn the successes and roadblocks of piloting Minecraft Education.
Minecraft Education – Advanced

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: K-12th Grade Teachers
Instructor: Howard Dale, Teacher, Kingsport City Schools
Date: June 16, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT

The Minecraft Education (Advanced) workshop will focus on how students can use Minecraft Education as a STEM tool and how to create and host worlds where students can collaborate on projects or work independently.
Minecraft Education – STEM and Project Based Learning

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: K-12th Grade Teachers
Instructor: Howard Dale, Teacher, Kingsport City Schools
Date: June 17, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT

The Minecraft Education – STEM and Project Based Learning workshop will focus on how students can use Minecraft Education as a STEM tool and how it can easily be used for PBL opportunities.
Enhancing Science Education with the SeER's Educator Grant Programs

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: K-12 Teachers
Presenter: Dr. Ross J. Toedte, SeER Board Member
Date: June 18, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm EDT

This workshop is dedicated to the Science Education Research Foundation's (SeER) grant programs, designed specifically for educators passionate about elevating science education through research. This workshop aims to introduce teachers to the foundational principles and opportunities provided by SeER.
Wishes Granted: Finding Grants for Your Classroom (Virtual session)

Target Audience: K-12th Grade Teachers
Date: June 22, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT

Have you ever wondered how to write a grant? Whether private or public, there is money out there waiting for you! This workshop will share tips, tricks, and how to spend just one weekend a year on grant writing.
Decoding Part 107: Chart Reading, METARs, Airspace, and the FAA Exam Essentials (In-person session)New

Session Format: In-Person

Target Audience: Educators Seeking Drone Pilot License
Instructor: Michael Camponovo, GIST Outreach Coordinator and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot
Date: Tuesday June 23 AND Friday, June 26, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT both days

This workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate, focusing on the concepts and terminology that new test-takers often find most challenging. Participants will learn how to interpret sectional charts, understand airspace classifications, decode METAR and TAF weather reports, read airport diagrams, and navigate key regulatory requirements.
Starting a Science Olympiad Team at Your School (Virtual session)New

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: 6-12^th Grade Teachers
Instructor: Maggie Kenny, Science Teacher, Bearden Middle School
Date: June 24, 1:00 pm - 400 pm EDT

Are you interested in forming a Science Olympiad team at your school but not sure where to start? Join our session to learn from a middle school Science Olympiad coach on how she started a team at her school. You’ll learn details about the Science Olympiad competition, first-hand guidance on processes, strategies for coaching, and more!
ARC Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge

Session Format: In-Person

Target Audience: 9th-12th Grade Teachers

The ARC Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge is a two-week, residential, hands-on institute sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Teachers participate in research projects with and under the supervision of ORNL scientists.