Professional Development for Teachers
Innovative Summer Program Design: Best Practices for Educators-Led Camps
Course Description: This three-day professional development course introduces secondary teachers to Informal Science Education (ISE)—learning experiences designed to inspire curiosity, engagement, and career interest in STEM beyond the traditional classroom. While many students excel in lectures and labs, others are motivated by immersive, hands-on experiences that allow them to explore topics in depth and connect with real-world applications.
During the 16-hour course, participants will learn the strategies that Ben Benson and Louisa Otto (Sanford PROMISE) have used over the past seven years to design successful summer science camps for middle school aged students. These experiences have sparked students’ excitement for science, leading to scholarships at major universities and careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare—one of South Dakota’s largest employment sectors.
By the end of the course, teachers will have practical strategies for development of Informal Science Education opportunities to manifest in their communities and actionable networks of people who are ready an able to help with content or logistics.
Dates: June 23-25, 2026 at the Sisseton Wahpeton College (12572 BIA Hwy 700, Agency Village, SD 57262)
Times:
June 23rd - Doors open at 12pm. Session will run from 1:00pm-5:00pm
June 24th - Session will run from 8:00am-5:00pm
June 25th - Session will run from 8:00am-12:00pm
This course is capped at 14 educators.
1 graduate credit is available through an accredited South Dakota University at $40 per credit.
$450 stipend is available for those who attend all three days.