Professional Development
Earn CPE credit while exploring new ways to integrate STEAM concepts into your classroom or library.
EdExchange
The Fall EdExchange Program application is now open!
Educators in the EdExchange program will experience hands-on professional development workshops at Thinkery, where they collaborate with museum staff, subject matter experts, and each other. Thinkery then provides the opportunity for 6–8 weeks of on-campus collaboration to support educators as they implement STEAM-based activities and lessons with their students. At the end of the EdExchange program, educators convene at a showcase to “exchange” ideas, share lessons, and learn from one another.
Recommended for educators and librarians working with elementary-age students, this application-based program is offered at no cost to participants, with preference given to educators serving in Title I schools or low-income communities. It is a multi-month to year-long commitment.
Fall 2026 EdExchange
This program includes:
- 12 hours of professional development at Thinkery
- Two planning sessions and six visits to your classroom by a Thinkery STEAM Educator to support chosen activity facilitation from January to May 2027.
- One-on-one planning sessions with Thinkery STEAM Learning Institute team
- Invitation to EdExchange showcases, meetups, & networking events…and all at no cost to you
- Dinner and parking validation provided at all onsite workshops
- A stipend of $250
Mark your calendars:
This fall, Thinkery will host a six week workshop series Thursday evenings from 5-7 PM onsite at Thinkery, covering all things STEAM. Play, learn, and collaborate with other educators to refine your teaching practice and implement creative teaching methods to support ALL learners.
Fall 2026 Workshop Dates and Topics
Oct 8th – Kickoff & Introduction to Playful Learning
Oct 15th – Novel Engineering & Storytelling
Oct 22nd – Computational Thinking & Robotics
Oct 29th – Multimedia Communication
Nov 5th – Nature Exploration & Investigation
Nov 12th – Hands-On Play Lab
Spring Class Visit Information:
- For 8 weeks (January-March) Thinkery staff will co-plan and co-implement a STEAM-focused, hands-on project with you and your students.
- May 2027 – Educator Showcase. An opportunity to regroup, share, and celebrate a year’s worth of work while networking with other teachers and Thinkery programs.
FAQ
Is there specific criteria for participating in EdExchange?
All program participants must:
- Instruct students in K–5th grade (preferred)
- Demonstrate a desire to advance their experience teaching STEAM concepts and technology
- Express an interest in supporting student learning through project-based learning and hands-on activities
- Be able to attend professional development workshops at Thinkery and invite Thinkery staff to your campus
- Be employed at an educational nonprofit organization or campus within a 10-mile radius of Thinkery
What skills will my students build?
Students who participate in EdExchange will strengthen Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills and 21st-century learning skills through STEAM-focused experiences.
- Information, Media and Technology
- EdExchange students move beyond media consumption by creating projects that integrate technology, making, and academic content.
- Communication and Collaboration
- Student projects are complex systems typically created by teams of individuals. Participants can speak to the benefits of working with others.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- EdExchange educators often challenge their students to complete projects intended to serve a need or solve a challenge.
- Creativity and Innovation
- During EdExchange programming, many students first engage with a new concept by learning through exploration and an iterative design process.
Can I earn CPE credit through EdExchange?
Yes! EdExchange participants do earn continuing professional education (CPE) credit through the program.
Do you offer additional workshops for educators?
We do! Thinkery offers Educator Workshops and custom professional development opportunities throughout the year. Read about our educator workshops below!
Watch EdExchange in action in the classrooms!
Interested in an educator workshop or custom workshop for your group? Click below to fill out our inquiry form, and our staff will contact you to discuss your request.
Educator Workshop Inquiry Form
Thinkery Educator Resources
Earn CPE credit, network with other educators and bring Thinkery into your classroom! We offer a variety of classroom resources and professional development opportunities for educators of all kinds!