Professional Learning Opportunities

This full-day convening brings together the educators who have completed Muddy Boots training. Participants will reconvene to review, refine, and strengthen instructional materials developed for the Blue Green Connector field site and aligned to the new PA STEELS standards. Working in collaborative teams, teachers will engage in two rounds of structured peer review to elevate their draft lessons and learning experiences. With coaching support from an IU13 facilitator, participants will ensure strong alignment to PA STEELS standards while maximizing the rich learning opportunities available at the Marietta Avenue field station. By the end of the day, participants will finalize high-quality instructional resources that will be published on the Blue Green Connector and Lancaster County STEM Alliance websites-serving as model materials for educators across Pennsylvania seeking meaningful, standards-aligned field experiences. Participants will also be introduced to additional environmental literacy resources through PA DEP's Clean Water Academy, further expanding access to restored ecosystems and cutting-edge research for teachers and students throughout the region. This session offers a valuable opportunity to collaborate, network, and gain insight from peers while contributing to shared, high-impact educational resources. Participant Benefits: * $200 stipend per teacher (paid to school to support substitute costs) * Lunch provided both days * 6 Act 48 hours awarded upon completion

An immersive, three-day professional learning experience where educators explore stream restoration at the Blue Green Connector, design PA STEELS-aligned lessons, and collaborate to create high-quality outdoor learning resources for classroom and field use. Learning Objectives Participants will: Engage in hands-on field investigations connected to stream restoration and environmental research. Design and refine instructional materials aligned to PA STEELS standards using an authentic outdoor learning site. Collaborate with fellow educators to peer-review and strengthen lessons for classroom and field implementation. Contribute standards-aligned instructional resources to the Blue Green Connector website for regional educator access. Additional Information Open to 10 middle and high school educators in biology, earth science, environmental science, engineering, history, or STEM/STEAM fields. Days 1 & 2 - May 4 & 5, 2026: $450 stipend (paid to school for substitute costs) lunch provided, and 12 Act 48 hours. Day 3 - June 22, 2026: Optional paid summer collaboration day focused on lesson refinement and peer review alongside the October Muddy Boots cohort. Includes a $200 stipend paid directly to teachers and 6 additional Act 48 hours. 18 total Act 48 hours awarded upon completion of all three days.