Summer Teacher Programs
Teacher Program Credit Options
The Saint Louis Zoo is pleased to announce that graduate credit options are available through four local universities for summer teacher programs. Participants can register for the programs by paying the Zoo lab fee. Participants may enroll for graduate credit from Lindenwood University, Maryville University, University of Missouri-St. Louis or Webster University by paying the associated tuition fee (reduced). Please contact Sharon Kassing, Teacher Programs Coordinator at (314) 646-4553 to receive more details about credit options.
This summer, teacher programs are available for one or two credit hours, depending on program duration and out-of-class requirements. We hope you find programs that meet your professional development needs and that you can participate in more than one.
The Boeing Company has generously provided scholarship funding for teachers of underserved students. Grant money can be used for a variety of on and offsite Zoo education programs, as well as teacher professional development.
To apply for scholarships for Teacher Programs:
Scholarship money for teachers of underserved students can be used to cover the costs of registration and materials for any existing teacher programs, i.e. summer programs for teachers at the Zoo. It can also be used for teacher programs at your schools, i.e. professional development programs specifically designed to suit the content or pedagogical needs of your faculty.
For answers to any questions regarding eligibility, application or booking for any Teacher Programs, and all registration materials, please contact Sharon Kassing, Teacher Programs Coordinator, at 314.646.4553 or kassing@stlzoo.org.
Animal Explorations Across the Curriculum
For Teachers of grades PK - 3
Animals provide a wonderful way to engage students in all subject areas. Join us as we explore fun ways to harness this natural interest using both native and exotic animals of all kinds. Each day we will cover a different discipline, communication arts, math, science, and social studies. Ways to use the wildlife in your own school yard will be a focus.
Workshop Highlights:
- Easy to implement activities with limited material needs.
- Fun hands-on learning for you and your students.
- Activities that address all learning styles.
- Age appropriate background information about a wide variety of animals.
Limited to 20 participants.
Instructors: Laura Seger, Early Childhood Programs Coordinator, Sharon Kassing, Teacher Programs Coordinator
Fee: $150 Zoo lab fee; two-hour graduate credit offered through local universities (see credit option description above).
Code Date Day Time T611AE June 11- 14 M-Th 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Private Eye® Workshop
For Teachers of grades K - 8
The Private Eye is a nationally acclaimed, hands-on learning process that builds observation and critical thinking skills. With everyday objects, The Private Eye’s easy questioning strategy, and an almost magical magnification tool, a jeweler’s loupe, you’ll accelerate concentration, critical thinking and creativity for all ages. See what NPR reports.
Join your teaching colleagues for a full-day program on this exceptional classroom tool. Materials provided with the training will include The Private Eye- (5X) Looking/Thinking by Analogy: A Guide to Developing the Interdisciplinary Mind and a set of 18 loupes.
Limited to 25 participants.
Instructors: Sharon Kassing, Teacher Programs Coordinator and Zoo Staff
Fee: $150
Code Date Day Time T626PE June 26 Tu 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Inquiry: What Is It and How Do I Do It In My Classroom?
For Teachers of grades K - 12
In this week-long institute, you will increase your understanding and use of inquiry-based learning. You will compare different approaches to hands-on science and determine the best times to use each in your classroom. In addition to learning the elements of inquiry, participants will also learn how to modify their own curricular materials to inquiry-based formats. Priority will be given to teams of two or more teachers from the same school.
Limited to 25 participants.
Instructors:Marty Galganski, Manager of School Services, Sharon Anibal, Supervisor, School Programs, Jennifer Boeynik, Instructor, School Programs, Missouri Botanical Garden; Sharon Kassing, Teacher Programs Coordinator, Saint Louis Zoo.
Fee: $200; includes materials and snacks .
Date Day Time June 18-22 M-F 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
For registration information, call the Missouri Botanical Garden at (314) 577-5185 or (314) 577-5147.
Teaching about Zookeeping: An Inquiry Approach
For Teachers of grades 3 - 8
The Zoo Keeping profession has transformed into a highly specialized career with deep roots in science and math specialties. Using a zoo keeper’s day to day work (feeding, training, enrichment, etc), this workshop will provide activity ideas that you can incorporate into your classroom to compliment your math and science curriculum. We will look at topics like animal behavior, exhibit design, adaptations, statistics, multiplication, fractions, and much more! Through group discussions and tours we will also develop ideas on how to use the Zoo grounds and exhibits as a fun and exciting resource tool. You will receive a take-home packet with activity ideas and background information.
Workshop Highlights:
- Zoo tours, as well as classroom visits of live animals.
- List of additional available Zoo Resources.
- Inquiry-based activities that can be readily implemented in the classroom.
Limited to 20 participants.
Instructors: Lisa Lidgus, Naturalist-Instructor, Sharon Kassing, Teacher Programs Coordinator
Fee: $100 Zoo lab fee; one-hours graduate credit offered through local universities (see credit option description above).
Code Date Day Time T702TZ July 2 -3 M - Tu 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Evolution: The "E" Word
For teachers of grades 6 - 12
Join us at the Saint Louis Zoo to discover interesting and exciting ways to incorporate Evolution into your curriculum. Evolution is the unifying concept of biology and a major concept of science education standards in Missouri. However, it can be very challenging to teach. If you are interested in updating your repertoire of evolution-related teaching materials and activities, come and learn some new and effective approaches. Learn how to deal with student preconceptions and make evolution fun and relevant in your student’s lives. This 2-day program will include hands-on activities for teaching multiple ages, as well as background information and resources to keep you current on the latest understanding of the mechanisms of evolution.
Workshop Highlights
- Lesson plans and hands-on activities for use in the classroom.
- Activities and experiences that focus on the use of the scientific method.
- Latest information on current evolutionary concepts.
- Discussions and activities that explore how evolutionary concepts affect real world conservation issues and decisions.
Limited to 12 participants.
Instructors: Michael Dawson, Naturalist Instructor, Sharon Kassing, Teacher Programs Coordinator
Fee: $100; one-hour graduate credit offered through local universities (see credit option description above) .
Code Date Day Time T607EV June 7-8 Th - F 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
12th Annual Voyage of Learning Teacher's Academy
Forest Park Forever, the Park’s cultural institutions and other environmental and cultural organizations have joined forces for the Voyage of Learning, an 8-day experiential education teacher workshop that:
- Transforms Forest Park into an experiential learning lab,
- Builds teachers’ skills in investigative, outdoor education,
- Promotes interdisciplinary approaches to teaching & learning,
- Aligns outdoor curriculum with Missouri “Show Me” standards,
- Creates a large pool of teacher resources for future field trips.
Workshop Highlights
- Ecology, Art, Language Arts, Science, History, Environmental Studies and other disciplines combine, using Forest Park as the classroom.
- Graduates earn up to 5 PDU and other professional development credits.
- 3 Graduate Credits Available through University of Missouri St. Louis.
- Transportation/Bus Funds available for class trips to Forest Park.
- Stipends for Students completing workshop
July 17 - 27 (weekend excluded)
For more information, and the complete application, contact Forest Park Forever at (314) 367-7275, or email voyagers@forestparkforever.org .