The Glenn T. Seaborg Mathematics and Science Center provides professional development for K-12 educators in the Central U.P. and across the state. The Center works closely with the MiSTEM Network, the School of Education at NMU, regional Intermediate School Districts, and curriculum developers to provide the best, research-based professional learning opportunities for educators.

During the winter months and the possibility of severe conditions, please refer to our Inclement Weather Policy

Professional Learning Opportunities

Professional learning opportunities (*) are available either by a virtual platform and/or face-to-face contact.

Add+Vantage Math Recovery® (AVMR) courses are designed to support elementary teachers, special education teachers, and math interventionists in diagnosing and advancing student understanding and numeracy development. The assessment, data collection, and teaching tools are designed to accelerate the ability of educators to recognize students' current levels of numeracy understanding to make data-driven instructional decisions.  AVMR Course 1 & 2 Flyer.

Add+VantageMR® Course 1 (AVMR 1): Foundational learning of whole number topics such as number words and numerals, structuring numbers, addition and subtraction, and topics that affect the development of future mathematical understanding. The topics and domains covered often appear later on as holes in understanding for older struggling students. This course is designed for K-5 teachers, K-8 special education teachers, and math interventionists.

  • Included:  Daily Stipend  | SCECHs will be available
  • Dates: Virtual 9:00-11:00 on June 12-14; June 18-20; June 25-16.
  • Facilitator: Renee Jewett, Program Coordinator, STEM Education Consultant
  • AVMR Course 1 Registration

 

Add+VantageMR® Course 2 (AVMR 2): After attending AVMR Course 1, teachers will expand and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the mathematical development of all students by implementing diagnostic assessments for multiplication and division and place value understanding. This course is designed for K-5 teachers, K-8 special education teachers, and math interventionists.  

Prerequisite:  Must have completed AVMR Course 1.

  • Included:  Daily Stipend  | SCECHs will be available
  • Dates:  Virtual 9:00-11:00 on August 6-9; August 13-16.
  • Facilitator: Renee Jewett, Program Coordinator, STEM Education Consultant
  • AVMR Course 2 Registration

For more information, visit the US Math Recovery website.

CT in the UP 

In partnership with the Michigan Department of Education and Project Tomorrow, we are excited to be hosting a Computational Thinking (CT) event on the campus of Northern Michigan University on August 17, 2023! 

Computational Thinking is a problem-solving process that works across all the content areas and provides students a chance to practice this critical 21st-century skill.  We hope all pK-16 educators will consider joining us for this exciting event!  See the flyer for details and registration information.

  • August 17, 2023  |  9 am - 3:30 pm
  • SCECHs are available
  • Hosted on the campus of Northern Michigan University
  • Registration Information

 

Computer Science Fundamentals (ES) 

The MiSTEM Network is excited to announce our CS Fundamentals Introduction workshop series that will be held online. These high-quality computer science workshops will provide you with a Code.org curriculum guide, how to implement unplugged and computer based computer science lessons, how to setup your classroom, and connect you with a community of educators. Come learn in a friendly environment how you can start implementing computer science in your classroom. 

This workshop is a combination of three online virtual meetups and two sets of asynchronous activities. We will be using Zoom for our online meetings, using Code.org Studio for asynchronous activities, and using Code.org for resources. 

For additional details, workshop dates, and registration CLICK HERE.

  • Registration Fee:  Covered by MiSTEM Advisory Council Grants
  • Credit:  12 SCECHs will be provided pending approval from the state.
     

Computer Science Discoveries (MS), AP Computer Science Principles (HS), and AP Computer Science A (HS)

With the support of the MiSTEM Network, teachers have access to the 5-day summer workshop model with code.org.  Additional support days are also provided throughout the school year. Summer workshop on July 24-28 (face to face) or July 31-Aug 4, 2023, (virtual workshop) |  Apply Here.

Cybersecurity Professional Learning Teacher Workshops

Educators will work alongside the Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute and associated partners to explore, experience, reflect and develop plans to implement computer science and cybersecurity learning into district curriculum programs across the K-12 setting.

  • These workshops are offered on a rolling basis, as well as upon request.  For the latest opportunities, please contact us.

FIRST LEGO League - Coaches Workshop - Interested in coaching FIRST robotics for the upper elementary level? Do you need support in starting a team?  Do you need experience with the new SPIKE Prime robot?

All new or experienced FIRST LEGO League (FLL) coaches, mentors, leaders, parents, volunteers, and interested college-level students are invited to experience the SPIKE Prime platform and prepare for competing in the upcoming Fall FLL Challenge Qualifiers.  

Attendees will receive a free LEGO extension kit for use with a team.  

  • Saturday, October 5, 2024.
  • 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.:  New to robotics
  • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. New and Experienced in Robotics

Hosted by the Seaborg Center, Northern Michigan University

Register here  |  Flyer

 

Math Recovery Specialist, Part 1 (MRSp1) - 

MRSp1 is a professional development course that builds a high level of expertise in Math Recovery content and pedagogy.  MRSp1 includes the comprehensive, research-based Learning Framework in Number, offering detailed learning progressions and pedagogical tools for assessment and teaching. Part one of the two-part series focuses on the topics of addition and subtraction, structuring numbers, number word sequences, numeral identification, and conceptual place value.

Participants will engage in 100 hours of 1:1 and/or small group math intervention with students throughout the course and will receive one-on-one coaching sessions, access to online learning modules, virtual video share opportunities, and assessment and teaching materials to support this work. Upon completion of MRSp1, participants will be well prepared to implement targeted intervention and will be a valuable resource for supporting school or district-wide mathematics initiatives. SCECHs and graduate credit will be available.

 

Michigan M in STEM Collaborative

The MiSTEM Council called for a Math Action Area that works to “Elevate Mathematics as the language of STEM and a tool for STEM exploration.”  Therefore, the Math Action Area seeks to create learning environments that produce more equitable outcomes for students such that demographic indicators (eg. race, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, and zip code) are less predictive of student success in STEM by September 2026. We seek to engage educators, families, community organizations, and business & industry in authentic learning experiences that connect learning with career pathways.

2024 Summer Professional Learning Opportunities for K-12 Educators:  Details and registering for the professional learning events below can be found by visiting the Michigan M in STEM Collaborative landing page.  

  • Tri-County Culturally Responsive Mathematics Institute:  June 17-27 (virtual).
  • Math Recovery AVMR1:  June 3-13 (virtual) or June 17-27 (virtual) or July 8-11 (In Person).
  • Math Recovery AVMR 2:  June 3-13 (virtual) or July 22-Aug1 (virtual) or July 8-11 (In Person).
  • Math Recovery AVMR Fractions:  June 17-27 (virtual) or July 22-Aug 1 (virtual)
  • AMPED and GIC:  June 24-27, 24 (Grand Rapids, MI).
  • Data Science:  Bootstrap - Data Science and Algebra:  July 8-12,  2024 (Bay City, MI) or Data Science: July 22-26 (Grand Rapids).
  • 3P Train the Trainer - June 26-27, 2024 (face to face) 60 Minutes  | Follow-up sessions on October 9, 2024, December 4, 2024, and February 5, 2025.
  • MCTM 3P Pre-Conference:  July 16, 2024.

Mi-STAR Professional Learning Program Curriculum for Teachers

This professional learning experience will engage middle school teachers in the science curriculum aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and three-dimensional learning.   At the conclusion of this one-day experience, teachers will have access and continued support to implement the Mi-STAR curriculum using an online learning portal.

MiSTAR Professional Learning Facilitator Workshop - Learning opportunity for middle school science teachers.  

Mi STAR and Curriculum for teachers website.

Finding Standards In Place-Based Education - This 3-part, virtual PL is well suited for educators at all levels, and across content areas.  We'll explore the 'what' and 'how' of place-based stewardship education, and how connecting your classroom to your community can enhance your content standards.  This module-based professional learning was created in partnership with the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative.

  • Virtual PL will be held from 4:00 pm - 6 pm on the following three dates:  February 16; February 20-21, 2023.
  • SCECHs and a $150 stipend are included for complete participation.
  • Register here  |  Flyer  
     

Citizen Science ROVs - This educator workshop enhances participants' ability to inspire student stewards of the Great Lakes through the construction of an Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle. These workshops will also highlight the role of project-, problem-, and place-based learning in student learning.

Academy of Natural Resources - Field-based educator workshop designed to bring knowledge of local resources and current trends in management into educators' classrooms.

The Seaborg Center is committed to bringing professional learning related to using place-based education with students to the central Upper Peninsula. These opportunities highlight using our sense of place to supplement the storylines being developed to meet the rigors of 3-dimensional learning in the NGSS and across all content areas. These opportunities also align with multiple state agencies, including the MiSTEM Network, and promote 21st Century teaching and learning. Grant dollars may be able to support participation for school teachers.

Please contact Chris Standerford (cstander@nmu.edu) for application details.

Upper Peninsula Beekeeping Conference

A conference dedicated to the special challenges of keeping bees in Northern climates. Designed specifically for fellow beekeepers, this educationally packed day includes practical beekeeping information from the keynote speaker, Dr. Meghan Milbrath, breakout sessions, and on-site vendors. A complimentary lunch catered by the Northern Center will be provided.

Tickets: $50

For more information about the keynote speaker, visit The Sand Hill.

Sponsored by: Michigan Beekeepers' Association, Michigan Food and Farming Systems, Michigan State University Extension, Superior Beekeeping Club, Travel Marquette