We sifted through and pulled out the educator-specific professional development opportunities and digital learning and teaching tools aimed at educators to create this list for Texas educators.  We will continue to update as we receive resources.

Find more Greater Austin STEM Ecosystem events here and TxGCP events here.

*NEW* USA Science and Engineering Festival Virtual STEM Workshop Series for Educators

The VIRTUAL Inspire Educators Workshops is a special event series for educators designed to inspire and equip teachers with the most current and innovative STEM learning tools for the classroom. Industry leaders will share their STEM perspectives and resources while implementing realistic teaching models. The online event will consist of four educator-focused workshops taking place over two consecutive days (two workshops per day). Attendees who participate during the livestream on November 18 and 19 will have the opportunity to submit questions to workshop presenters. On-demand viewing will be available immediately following the livestream.

*NEW* EcoRise Sustainability Based Climate PD Workshops

Join EcoRise, experienced teachers, and community partners to explore resources and student-driven grant opportunities that can be used to shape students’ understanding of the causes and impact of climate change within their community. Through this interactive professional development series, teachers will access the tools that they need to help their students evaluate sustainability issues related to energy, transportation, waste, water, food, air, and public spaces to empower students to become a part of San Antonio’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). This training series is made possible through the San Antonio Office of Sustainability. CPU credit will be provided as well as resources and opportunities for Eco-Audit Classroom grants (grant window is now open and grants can incorporate supplies needed for blended and outdoor learning)!

*NEW* Call for Public Comments: TEA announces public comment for high school science/STEM TEKS

At the September 2020 State Board of Education (SBOE) meeting, the SBOE approved for first reading and filing authorization proposed new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the following high school science courses: Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC), and Physics. The official public comment period for the proposed new TEKS for high school science is now open. Public Comment is open until Nov. 13, 2020

*NEW* 2021 Alamo STEM Ecosystem Virtual Professional Development Conference

This FREE virtual conference is designed specifically for K-12 teachers interested in learning about STEM-related resources. The Alamo STEM Ecosystem is continuing a tradition of providing a STEM-focused conference, supported by your local Alamo STEM Ecosystem. Workshops will feature scientists providing updates on current research, STEM-related organizations showcasing available education resources, and teachers sharing exemplar lessons. The conference is a great opportunity to network with teachers from other districts, grade levels, and content areas, as together, we create a community of STEM educators. Earn 8 CPE’s for attendance.

*NEW* Virtually Wild: Virtual Field Trips & Digital Resources

At Virtually WILD! Texas, students can interact LIVE with scientists & conservationists across the region and ask their questions about wildlife, careers and more. See archived videos on the Facebook page. The program lasts 45 minutes. This program is planned at a 3rd - 5th grade level, but students of all ages will gain useful information.

*NEW* NASA Webinar: Learning Space With NASA — Studying Earth From Space

For K-8 educators, parents, caregivers, and students. Join NASA experts and education specialists for a free 30-minute webinar to learn how NASA uses space satellites to monitor Earth’s health.

*NEW* NASA Webinar: Learning Space With NASA — Studying Earth From Space

For K-8 educators, parents, caregivers, and students. Join NASA experts and education specialists for a free 30-minute webinar to learn how NASA uses space satellites to monitor Earth’s health.

*NEW* NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing

Award Applications Open to High School and College Students in Computing, and their Educators. NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Award Recognitions offers three distinct awards that honor aspirations, abilities, technical accomplishments, and influential guidance in computing.Help NCWIT spread the word to 9th-12th grade students and college students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary; and to the educators who support them.

The TxGCP eNewsletter is distributed approximately once a month. Visit the TxGCP web site for additional updates on upcoming events, resources and mini-grant information.