Join us for enriching professional development opportunities, hosted throughout the year. We offer on-site workshops and conferences along with virtual programs for those who can't get to Shedd! Receive hands-on and collaborative training with other educators, led by Shedd experts. Leave with easy tools and resources to implement with your learners.
Choose the option that works best for your schedule and curriculum.
On-site Workshops
When you visit Shedd for an on-site workshop, you'll receive:
Hands-on educational training from Shedd experts
Admission to Shedd so you can explore after your workshop
Free parking
Lesson plans and resources to bring back to school
ISBE clock hours
Virtual Workshops
When you participate in a virtual workshop, you'll receive:
Flexibility to participate from the comfort of your home or school
Lesson plans and resources to utilize in school
Access to experts who will take you behind the scenes at Shedd
ISBE clock hours
Clock Hours
Illinois teachers registered for these programs can receive clock hours upon completion of the in-service as well as a letter that can be share with the school’s administration. A current Illinois Educator Identification Number (IEIN) is required for clock hours.
Earn Graduate Credit for Participating in Shedd Professional Development
Both Shedd Aquarium and the University of St. Francis (USF) recognize that profound learning occurs in a variety of formal and informal settings. To encourage continuous life-long learning, USF offers professionals the opportunity to demonstrate their learning in unique settings and earn graduate credit for select experiences outside the traditional classroom structure. Learn more about optional graduate credit for in-service sessions on the University of St. Francis website.
Accessibility
These programs are custom. However, if programs are hosted at Shedd Aquarium, programs could potentially include:
Use of stairs; elevators are available
Moving and standing for up to 1 hour
Work taking place at standard tables with chairs provided
Use of tools like scissors, forceps, tablets, and microscopes
Moving around the aquarium, which has varying light, noise and temperature levels
The
learning environment as part of this experience may include the
following sensory triggers: unusual noises-that may be loud, low or
moderate; changes in lighting; unusual smells; touch sensitivity due the
use of tight-fitting gloves; and, participants may get wet or dirty.
Facilitators may use portable voice amplification
We believe there should be no boundaries to your Shedd Aquarium
experience. If you have an accommodation request related to a
disability, please contact us at [email protected] or 312-939-2438. We look forward to assisting you.
Past Educator Workshops
If you are interested in scheduling a program leveraging content in one of our past workshops, including those noted below, please contact [email protected].
The contents of teacher professional development programs were developed as part of the Shedd Pathways to Environmental Education Initiative under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government. One hundred percent ($540,932) of the total costs of the initiative from Aug. 1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2024 are financed with federal money. We express appreciation for our Federal Congressionally Funded Community Project sponsor, House Representative Mike Quigley.
