Creating a Statewide Network of California Teacher Leaders and Professional Learning Providers

The Exploratorium is supporting NGSS implementation across California by partnering with K–12 educators who serve as local advocates for science, be it in a classroom or county office. Through face-to-face institutes, online workshops, and peer-based communication tools, we are equipping educators from all over the state with NGSS-aligned resources they can use to inspire the next generation of science learners. By extending our reach beyond the Bay Area, we are investing in long-term, local capacity for inquiry-rich science education for all California students.

Grades K–5: Empowering Regional Teams
For elementary educators, we work closely with county and district professional learning providers who offer ongoing supports for teachers. Each cohort is recruited from a specific region in California, allowing us to form meaningful partnerships  with local leaders and teams. Activities include a three-day workshop at the Exploratorium followed by online workshops and onsite support.

Grades 6–12: Connecting Teacher Leaders
For middle and high school science teachers who also provide supports to other teachers, we are creating a statewide network of secondary science teacher leaders to support NGSS implementation. Participants from across California attend a one-week institute at the Exploratorium and then continue to share, find support, and learn online through workshops and a community listserv.

This work was recently recognized by the California Association of Museums with the Superintendent’s Award for Excellence in Museum Education for outstanding achievements in contributing to California’s K–12 educational system.

Download our Year 1 impact report on programming specific to our statewide initiative.