Join EarthGen for a full-day, in-person experience to build your understanding of culturally responsive pedagogy in science education that will highlight opportunities to make sustainable shifts in pedagogy that can transform your classroom instruction.

EarthGen has a core area of programming dedicated to the development of knowledge and skills for teachers and educators called Direct Learning. An additional core area of programming is committed to Curricular Resourcing, which supports classroom resources and instruction that are inclusive of and responsive to each student. Learning experiences within these areas of programming are designed to support the multifaceted needs and assets of all students and the various responsibilities of K-12 educators by grounding in culturally responsive pedagogy with a focus on bilingual, migrant, and Native students across Washington. 

The Winter Institute will support K-8 educators through a full-day, in-person experience in building their understanding of culturally responsive pedagogy and its various principles and highlight opportunities to make sustainable shifts in pedagogy that can transform classroom instruction. This professional development experience will serve as a foundation upon which future offerings during the school year can be built with opportunities to deepen learning with specific curricula provided by EarthGen in elementary and middle school grade bands. 

This Winter Institute will begin with educators receiving foundational knowledge on the latest opportunities, challenges, and priorities unique to Migrant Education, Bilingual/Multilingual Education, and Native Education with support from ESD 105 staff and other community partners. Participants will then be offered a multifaceted approach to engaging with these focus communities through culturally responsive pedagogy, which includes inclusive curriculum, culturally responsive teaching practices, family and community engagement, and more. Finally, educators will engage with EarthGen curricular resources through interactive stations within three different curricular units, Monarch Mystery (K), Zombie Guacamole (5th), and Breathing Easier (MS), which all include storylines that are culturally, generationally, and consequentially relevant, using real-world contexts for increased acquisition of content and connection to students' interests and identities.

Educators will receive:

- 2 Equity Clock Hours

- 2 STEM Clock Hour

- 1 Regular Clock Hour

- $250 stipend for full participation

- Lunch