Professional Development Workshops
Great teaching begins with a sense of wonder. That’s why the Joyce D. & Andrew J. Mandell Academy for Teachers offers high-quality, research-based professional learning experiences designed not just to inform—but to inspire. Our offerings help teachers better engage students in the exploration of science phenomena as we work together to deepen instructional practices that promote student sense-making. By partnering with us, educators rethink what’s possible in their classrooms, master three-dimensional teaching, and create dynamic learning environments where students don’t just learn content—they wonder, explore, and truly understand it.
Enhance your science instruction and create stronger thinkers
Deepen student engagement and build meaningful STEM skills that promote academic growth with a full range of experiences, from introductory to advanced level workshops and support services designed to:
- Deepen three-dimensional teaching and learning
- Use STEM to captivate and build students’ interest
- Prepare Connecticut’s Next Workforce
- Support Social & Emotional Learning and Growth through STEM!
- Better Engage students with STEM Learning in the classroom
- Improve student engagement with play-based STEM learning experiences
You come to us
By participating in on-site courses, educators gain access to state-of-the-art exhibits, labs, and teaching resources that bring scientific concepts to life— then return to the classroom recharged and ready to inspire.
We come to you
To make professional development more accessible, we also bring the excitement of discovery directly to schools. Our team delivers customized, hands-on workshops that meet teachers where they are—right in their classrooms.
Focused
Our workshops expose educators and district stakeholders to three dimensional teaching and learning through informational and experiential standpoints. With offerings that range from introductory to advanced levels, we support educators at every stage, building foundational understanding, integrating best practices, and fostering sustained growth.
STEM Engagement & Play-Based Learning Workshops
Discover how curiosity, creativity, and play can foster in-depth learning in science, technology, engineering, and math. Through hands-on, joyful experiences, teachers discover how to turn everyday materials and playful inquiry into powerful STEM lessons. Steeped in research-based practices, these workshops help educators create classrooms where wonder is the guiding principle.
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STEM & Play: Hands-On Learning to Nurture Young Thinkers
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Navigating STEM: An Intro to STEM Engagement & Play-Based Learning
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Engineering Equity
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Thinking Like a Scientist
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Grade-Level Support Cycles
NGSS-Focused Workshops
Our NGSS-focused workshops empower educators to bring Next Generation Science Standards to life with confidence and clarity. Through hands-on investigations and real-world phenomena, learn how to engage students in three-dimensional learning and design lessons that make science meaningful and accessible for all learners.
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Making Students Thinking Visible
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The Power of Wonder
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Practice of NGSS (PoNGSS)
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NGSS for Administrators
Curriculum Support
Reinvigorate your curriculum and align instruction with the latest scientific standards through customized, practical guidance. Whether developing new units or refining existing ones, we collaborate with teachers to build cohesive, learning experiences that are grade-level appropriate, phenomenon-driven, and instructionally sound.
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3D Unit Development Institute
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Lesson Shifting
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3D Assessments for NGSS
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OpenSciEd Coaching
Mandell Academy for Teachers
Monday-Friday, 9AM-4PM
(860) 520-2193
mandellacademy@ctsciencecenter.org
Contact Us
Interested in elevating your teaching practice through hands-on, engaging professional development? The Joyce D. & Andrew J. Mandell Academy for Teachers is here to support educators at every level. Whether you have questions about upcoming workshops, customized training options, or how to bring our programs to your school or district, we’re ready to help. Connect with us to start transforming STEM education together.
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