Supported by the NSF Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program (Track 3; Award #2345094), Michigan Technological University and Northern Michigan University are collaborating to expand the Michigan Master Teachers Program. Their combined goal is strengthening middle-school STEM teaching and leadership statewide.
The project supports thirty educators who serve grades 5–9 in diverse, high-need settings. It also includes an entirely online master’s pathway in Educational Instruction Pedagogy to make advanced preparation accessible across Michigan.
In this unique teacher scholarship program, participants will build capacity in participatory action research, student-centered instruction and facilitation, evidence-based classroom improvement, and leading professional learning communities--all while being backed by a broad coalition of district and nonprofit partners.
Professional Learning Courses
These short online courses help middle school STEM teachers turn everyday classroom experience into evidence-based improvements that raise student learning and engagement. Overall, they emphasize student-centered, inquiry-driven learning and strong teacher leadership, which builds confidence, curiosity, and equitable access to rigorous science for kids in diverse, high-need communities.
These courses also help foster a durable support system: trained teacher-leaders who can mentor peers and sustain improvement through professional learning communities.
Below are a list of current course offerings; please check back as more are developed.
Build Your NGSS Toolkit: Introduction to the Next Generation Science Standards
Audience:
Grades 5-9 teachers
Description:
This short two-hour course introduces both new and experienced science educators to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Integrating primary source materials from the NGSS website as well as nationally respected experts, this course provides an overview of the vision and structure of three-dimensional science education, as well as a guided tour through some of the key resources available in the NGSS Framework and Standards.
Practical strategies and resources for further exploration in implementing the NGSS in the classroom are also explored.
By the end of the course, teachers will be able to
- describe the purpose and vision of the NGSS
- explain the three dimensions of the NGSS Use resources, including appendices, from the NGSS Framework and website, to guide classroom instruction
- describe key features of NGSS instruction in the classroom, including phenomena, storylines, productive talk, sense-making, engineering, and 3D assessment
Build Your NGSS Toolkit: Systems and System Models
Audience:
Grades 5-9 teachers
Description:
This short two-hour course defines systems and systems models from an engineering perspective, tying modeling to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) science classroom. It weaves together multiple respected science education sources to support classroom modeling as both a critical Science and Engineering Practice and a Crosscutting Concept.
Practical methodologies and routines to implement modeling are also explored. A classroom-tested lesson is provided upon course completion.
By the end of the course, teachers will be able to
- define a scientific model and explain why models are useful
- describe the specific attributes and engineering values of system models
- explain how a curriculum aligned to NGSS standards can both employ and support student modeling
- describe and implement multiple modeling strategies for the classroom, including digital instruction
Build Your NGSS Toolkit: Productive Talk
Audience:
Grades 5-9 teachers
Description:
This short two-hour course explores the value of productive talk to support student sensemaking and consensus building. It integrates multiple respected science education sources to support productive talk as a critical experience in the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices of asking questions and defining problems, constructing explanations, and arguing from evidence.
Practical methods and routines to implement productive talk with students are also explored.
By the end of the course, teachers will be able to
- describe productive talk and differentiate it from traditional classroom discourse
- explain why productive talk is good for students
- describe the key elements of productive talk
- apply classroom strategies to facilitate productive talk during initial ideas, understanding, and consensus discussions
Teacher Leadership: Developing the Superheroes of Education
Audience:
Grades 5-9 teachers
Description:
This short two-hour course is designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to become effective leaders within their educational communities. This course recognizes that teachers have a unique perspective and valuable expertise that can be harnessed to drive positive change in schools and to impact student learning outcomes.
Focusing on the Teacher Leader Model Standards, the course will provide a comprehensive overview of the roles and responsibilities of teacher leaders, as well as the strategies and techniques they can employ to lead with influence and impact.
By the end of the course, teachers will be able to
- describe the concept of teacher leadership and its significance in educational contexts
- explain the importance of essential leadership skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making
- reflect on personal leadership strengths and areas for growth
- create an individualized leadership development plan