Teacher Professional Development
At the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center (HCCC), we provide professional development opportunities for secondary school science teachers to help broaden their understanding of life science research, enrich their pedagogical practices and support their growth as teacher-leaders. In order to borrow kits and supplies to utilize in the classroom from HCCC, teachers must complete a professional development workshop we host or partner on, such as Jumpstarting Student Research Fellowship. However, all secondary teachers are welcome to attend our school-year workshops or access our curriculum resources. To get updates on HCCC programs and teaching resources, use our contact page and request to be on our mailing list.
- Discover ready-made curriculum materials
- Plan field trips and classroom visits
Other local programs for teachers
- Iowa STEM Teacher Externships
- STEM Scale-Up Program for Educators
- STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program
- Science Near Me - search this data base of opportunities for folks of all ages
- The University of Iowa Online Master's in STEM Education
Conferences & Organizations
Below is a list of STEM education organizations that want to support your efforts! Many have newsletters and regular events.
- Iowa STEM (Sponsored by the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council)
- Belin-Blank Center (Gifted Education & Talent Development)
Professional Development
Jumpstarting Student Research Fellowship
This fellowship, hosted by the Belin-Blank Center, is meant to support middle and high school educators in their efforts to incorporate research and individual research projects into their classrooms and help their students submit to competitions like the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium and the State Science Technology Fair of Iowa. Although first preference is given to those teaching in rural areas of Iowa, all are welcome to apply.
With a particular focus on increasing science research projects by students in rural communities across Iowa, this fellowship will allow educators to purchase lab supplies, attend professional development, and increase support for their students to participate in regional science fairs like the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Acceptance of this fellowship includes free attendance, $2000 of funding to utilize for classroom resources, and optional Licensure Renewal Credit (value $199) to the two-day summer course “Incorporating Scientific Research into the Middle and High School Science Classroom” presented by the Baker Teacher Leader Center and the Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa.
Timeline
- January 13: Application Survey opens
- March 23: Last day to submit Application Survey
- End of April: Awards announced
- July 28-29, 2025: Professional learning session