Professional Development Programs for K-12 Teachers

2025 Summer Workshops Calendar (.PDF, 101 KB)

Promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education among K-12 students is vital to meeting the nation’s needs for workers in the STEM fields. The need for students to be inspired to pursue careers in the STEM fields continues to grow, and ORAU is committed to providing the support necessary to improve education, research and innovation.

STEM teachers from Kindergarten through high school, and others interested in the STEM fields, can choose from a number of professional development opportunities provided by ORAU. These summer workshops for teachers are ideal for strengthening lesson plans, learning new tips for student engagement, as well as learning about new technologies for K-12 classrooms.

If you're a teacher looking for information about Extreme Classroom Makeover, please visit the Extreme Classroom Makeover page to learn more about this exciting opportunity to outfit your classroom with the latest tech!

In-person sessions will take place at ORAU in Oak Ridge, TN. Virtual sessions will take place via Zoom.

Teachers who attend an in-person professional development session at ORAU will have the opportunity to “shop” our inventory of free books, posters, and other educational resources.

Teachers who attend an in-person session will be entered to win a door prize. Door prizes will be awarded at each in-person session.

American Nuclear Society Educator Workshop

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: 6th-12th Grade Teachers

The American Nuclear Society Educator Workshop covers many basic concepts of nuclear science, including radiation, radioactive decay, isotopes, measurement of radioactivity, fission, fusion, the nuclear fuel cycle, applications of nuclear science and technology, and others.
ARC Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge

Target Audience: 9th-12th Grade Teachers

The ARC Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge is a two-week, residential, hands-on institute sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Teachers participate in research projects with and under the supervision of ORNL scientists.
Bold School Blended LearningNew

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: K-12 Educators/Administrators

Bold School reestablishes the teacher's role in effective instruction. It combines Blended pedagogies with Old School wisdom, creating a straightforward framework for Strategic Blended Learning™. This methodology focuses on purposeful technology use to enhance instruction and ultimately improve student achievement.
Bricks2BeamsTN Middle School Outreach ProgramNew

Session Format: In-Person

Target Audience: 7th & 8th Grade Teachers

The Bricks2Beams workshop will explore an introduction to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), and the fundamentals of particle accelerators, instruction on building a LEGO model of key SNS components, and discussion of diverse careers that contribute to the groundbreaking science at SNS.
Enhancing Science Education with the SeER's Educator Grant ProgramsNew

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: K-12 Teachers

This workshop is dedicated to the Science Education Research Foundation's (SeER) grant programs, designed specifically for educators passionate about elevating science education through research. This workshop aims to introduce teachers to the foundational principles and opportunities provided by SeER.
Increasing Engagement and Problem Solving in the Secondary Math ClassroomNew

Session Format: Hybrid

Target Audience: 6th – 12th Grade Teachers

In this workshop, you’ll explore how to effectively integrate online tools like Desmos to support content instruction and encourage dynamic student exploration. We’ll also dive into the benefits of using Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (VNPS) to foster collaborative problem-solving and active learning.

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Kira Learning - Computer Science Curriculum Free for TN Teachers

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: Computer Science Teachers

Kira Learning is a computer science curriculum free for Tennessee teachers to support students on their computer science journey. Kira Learning creates high quality, relevant content, tools, and support to allow teachers and learners to pursue mastery in Computer Science.
Learning Blade

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: 5th-9th Grade Teachers

The Learning Blade and Career Blade workshop will acclimate you with resources that have proven to increase student interest in high-demand careers while reinforcing science and math standards for students in grades 5-9.
Minecraft Education – Advanced

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: K-12th Grade Teachers

The Minecraft Education (Advanced) workshop will focus on how students can use Minecraft Education as a STEM tool and how to create and host worlds where students can collaborate on projects or work independently.
Minecraft Education – Introduction for Beginners

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: K-12th Grade Teachers

The Minecraft for STEM Education workshop will focus on how students can use Minecraft Education as a STEM tool and how it can easily be used for PBL opportunities. Teachers will learn the successes and roadblocks of piloting Minecraft Education.
Minecraft Education – STEM and Project Based Learning

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: K-12th Grade Teachers

The Minecraft Education – STEM and Project Based Learning workshop will focus on how students can use Minecraft Education as a STEM tool and how it can easily be used for PBL opportunities.
National Geographic's Slingshot ChallengeNew

Session Format: In-Person

Target Audience: Middle School & High School Teachers

The National Geographic Society's Slingshot Challenge is an innovative youth challenge that gives young problem-solvers, advocates, and stewards for the planet a chance to focus their message and be heard.
Scientific StudioNew

Session Format: In-Person

Target Audience: K-5 Educators

Scientific Studio integrates scientific concepts into engaging, art-based activities. From experimenting with solubility and light refraction to creating gravity art, educators will learn how to enhance STEAM learning through interactive projects.
So you’re a Grade 6-12 Teacher with a Robot Kit…Now what?New

Session Format: In-Person

Target Audience: 6th-12th Grade Teachers

This workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to increase their utilization of any robotics materials they have (or want to have!) in their school. We will explore the various options for robotics education - including Arduinos, Raspberry Pis, Boe Bots, Spheros, and XRPs.
Utilizing 3D Printers to Level Up Your Science EducationNew

Session Format: In-Person

Target Audience: 6th-12th Grade Science, Math, and CTE Teachers

The Utilizing 3D Printers to Level Up Your Science Education workshop will focus on providing participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to turn a 3D printer into an asset for their teaching practice.
Waterwise: Environmental Problem-SolvingNew

Session Format: Virtual

Target Audience: Middle School & High School Teachers

Join our workshop designed for educators, focused on the intersection of science and engineering in solving environmental problems. Discover how disciplines such as hydrology, hydraulics, geomorphology, ecology, and an understanding of human impact are crucial in addressing challenges related to natural and urban watersheds.
Wildly Fun Animal Observers with Zoo KnoxvilleNew

Session Format: In-Person

Target Audience: K-8th Grade Teachers

In this workshop, teachers will discover this interactive program that gives students the opportunity to put their skills of scientific observation to the test as they investigate a selection of unique biofacts (animal skins, bones, feathers, and more!) to figure out how each animal uses them to eat, move, defend themselves, and so much more!