Professional Development

Professional development should be more than a one-time event — it should be purposeful, flexible, and connected to outcomes.
We offer virtual or in-person options ranging from short sessions to long-term support, all tailored to your school or district’s needs.

Creating Highly Effective Educators

Essentials Workshop

3.5 hours of professional development

Virtual or In-Person options

The Essentials Workshop introduces educators to the NEIR System Change Model for Education©—a research-backed framework that integrates real-world engineering challenges with inclusive, student-centered teaching practices. Using an NGSS- and STEELS-aligned curriculum, participants explore five core pedagogical approaches and four essential NEIR indicators: Normalize, Empower, Inclusive, and Relevant. Educators actively engage in lesson analysis, case studies, and collaborative planning, culminating in the development of personalized SMART goals and action research plans.

Participants will:

  • Explore the NEIR System Change Model and its application in STEM and CTE classrooms

  • Analyze curriculum through the lens of cultural relevance, real-world connection, and student identity

  • Apply five research-based instructional pedagogies to increase student engagement

  • Write SMART goals and design an action research cycle for improving student outcomes

  • Engage in Faculty Learning Communities to extend and sustain professional growth

  • Commit to a specific instructional shift aligned with NEIR principles


Foundations Workshop

10 hours of professional development

Virtual or In-Person Options

The Foundations Workshop introduces key practices and proven strategies for building strong, student-centered learning environments. Designed for STEM and CTE educators it offers a collaborative space to explore essential techniques that support engagement and instructional effectiveness. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools and a stronger sense of how foundational practices connect to long-term program success.

Participants will:

  • Explore the NEIR System Change Model and its application in STEM and CTE classrooms

  • Explore strategies that support student engagement and instructional clarity

  • Understand how to align classroom practices with broader program goals

  • Reflect on current teaching approaches and identify areas for growth

  • Gain practical tools to implement immediately in their instructional planning

  • Engage in Faculty Learning Communities to extend and sustain professional growth


Train-the-Trainer Workshop

Participants will:

  • Deepen their understanding of the NEIR System Change Model for creating inclusive, student-centered STEM environments

  • Apply five core pedagogical strategies—constructivist, collaborative, inquiry-based, integrative, and reflective—to lesson design

  • Analyze curriculum and teaching practices for cultural and community relevance

  • Develop and implement SMART goals

  • Design and lead an action research cycle using real classroom data and outcomes

  • Engage in Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) to promote collaborative growth and sustainable change

  • Reflect on practice, present findings, and commit to meaningful implementation of new strategies

24 hours of professional development

In-Person learning

The Train-the-Trainer Workshop is an immersive, multi-day professional learning experience designed for STEM educators who are ready to lead transformative instructional change. Rooted in the NEIR System Change Model for Education©, this workshop equips participants with research-based strategies, culturally responsive curriculum tools, and leadership practices that foster inclusive, student-centered classrooms.

Our professional development is aligned with Pennsylvania’s Act 48 credit. The sessions focus on the NEIR System Change Model for Education. Our professional learning experiences are structured to deliver measurable results—supporting both educator growth and improved student outcomes.

Real change happens when professional development connects directly to what educators and students need most.