December 8, 2023
New Year’s Resolution: Keep Learning!
In December, many of us reflect upon the past year, but did you know it’s also the perfect time to start planning ahead?
Perhaps 2024 is the year you become a certified Project Learning Tree (PLT) educator. Maybe this is the year you attend your third PLT professional development event. Whatever you decide, make 2024 a year of continued learning and growth!
Across the U.S. PLT offers a variety of professional development opportunities, from in-person workshops and hybrid events to online courses. Our network of PLT State Coordinators and Facilitators creates an incredibly welcoming and inclusive environment for you to learn how to incorporate PLT lessons into your existing curriculum. Whether you are a PreK-12 teacher, nonformal educator, preservice teacher, caregiver, or higher education professor, there are learning opportunities for everyone.
You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, you’ll roll your sleeves up and get hands-on training, and connect with some of the most amazing people you’ve ever met! Plus, you’ll walk away with the tools and confidence you need to lead nature-based activities inside and outside the classroom.
Here’s what some past workshop attendees had to say:
“This had to be the very best workshop that I have ever been to! It should be a must for all teachers that teach science in their classroom. Absolutely outstanding! 5 ***** stars!” –Preschool Teacher, Michigan
“Fabulous workshop! I like how the activities can be modified and applied in multiple settings depending on age/skill level”. –Elementary School Teacher, Hawaii
Just think about the potential impacts you’ll have in your students’ lives by introducing them to the environment through PLT. One activity may spark a love of nature for students who’ve never experienced it before. It may be the perfect way to help bring a sense of calm to a student’s life. It might inspire high schoolers to pursue green careers, find solutions to mitigate climate change, or improve their communities. Inspire that change.
Upcoming Professional Development
Check your state’s PLT webpage for upcoming professional development events. You can also connect with your PLT State Coordinator to get more information about future workshops. Here are just a few events happening around the U.S. in early 2024.
West Coast
California | January 9, 2024: K-8 Workshop
Oregon | January 27 & February 10, 2024: Teaching about Climate Science: Into, Through, and Beyond
Midwest
Idaho | February 13, March 12, & April 2, 2024: Idaho Ecosystems with WILD, WET & PLT
Michigan | March 16, 2024: Black Faces in Green Spaces: The Journeys of Black Professionals in Green Careers
Nebraska | January 18, 2024: Teach Outside! Monthly Outdoor Learning Educator Workshop Series
Oklahoma | January 20, 2024: Explore Your Environment K-8 Guide
East Coast
Florida | January 8, 2024: Explore Your Environment Training
Massachusetts | January 20, 2024: Joint PLT & Project WET Workshop
North Carolina | January 27, 2024: Trees & Me! Project Learning Tree Early Childhood Workshop
South Carolina | February 16, 2024: PLT & Project WILD Workshop for Educators
Find Events Near You
Visit your state’s website for more information – many states offer special workshops tailored to your school or organization. If you’re unable to attend PD in person, we also offer self-paced online courses to help you make the most of PLT resources.
