Fall 2025 Updates

11/6/2025

STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps

Three STEM Education Centers are leading a National STEM Teacher Corps Regional Alliance Pilot Program—an investment in elementary STEM education across the Mid-Atlantic—and are seeking qualified teachers to apply.

This funding will support 27 teachers in the STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps, offering extensive professional development and resources over the 5 years of the grant.

This program aims to:

Elevate elementary teachers as foundational/frontier STEM educators
Evidence the critical importance of K-5 years for developing STEM proficiencies and identities
Emphasize learning through authentic practices and innovative teaching strategies
Connect early learning to long-term workforce development and scientific literacy
Recognize K-5 teachers as essential STEM professionals

Teacher Benefits—STEM Pioneers Corps

$12,000 annual stipend (three payments of $4,000 over the year)
Professional development in curriculum related to current STEM and in educational leadership
Membership in a community of practice that promotes K-5 STEM education
Paid travel to the summer professional development, which will rotate between the three HEIs
Materials for implementing the elementary STEM curriculum in their classrooms
Paid travel to hold a 1-day workshop with other teachers, if needed.
Materials for teachers who participate in the 1-day workshop that they lead
Paid membership and registration to state science teachers associations and NSTA
Paid travel to the state science teachers association conferences and NSTA
Paid web-based tools for STEM curriculum design and social media dissemination

All materials must be submitted by 8:00AM on February 16, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

LEARN MORE

APPLY NOW

CodeJoy Free Teacher Webinars

Supercharge your classrooms and spark some serious joy with CodeJoy's incredible lineup of free webinars this school year!
Here's the scoop:

Totally Free: All our webinars are absolutely free for teachers like you!
Easy Access: Just create an account to sign up. It's quick, simple, and your gateway to a world of learning.
Register & Explore: Once your account is set, you can register for any (or all!) of our exciting webinars.
Stay Tuned: We're constantly adding new and exciting topics, so be sure to check back in as the school year commences for even more awesome opportunities!

Don't miss out on these fun and informative sessions designed just for you!

FarmBeats for Students: Precision Ag + AI
Explore the exciting world of precision agriculture and its cross over with computer science and robotics through the FarmBeats for Students curriculum.
When: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 6:30 - 7:30 PM ET
Where: Virtual, Online
Who: Grades: 4-12

An Educator's Playbook for Free Tools & Unplugged Activities
In this webinar, you'll get a practical playbook for teaching AI through hands-on, pedagogy-centered activities that are perfect for students in grades 3 through 12.
When: Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 6:30 - 7:30 PM ET
Where: Virtual, Online
Who: Grades: 3-12

LEARN MORE + REGISTER

CodeJoy Tech in the Wild: STEELS and the BBC micro:bit

Pittcon and CodeJoy have partnered with the Pennsylvania IU system to launch "Tech in the Wild" — a comprehensive, multi-modal initiative for teachers in Pennsylvania.

This program gives you a clear path forward. We provide the introductory classroom experiences, the right classroom tools (the versatile BBC micro:bit), the high quality professional development you need to confidently meet the STEELS Standards across the curriculum. We're committed to making technology integration accessible, effective, and fun!

When: Each session provides starting points for beginners, yet includes unique activities. Attend one or all six!

Thurs 2/19, 4:30-7:30pm - Observation and Participation in Nature
Tues 2/24, 5:00-8:00pm - Navigation Activities with the Micro:bit Compass
Wed 3/4, 5:30-8:30 - Environmental Data Logging
Wed 3/18, 4:30-7:30pm - Creating a Weather Alert Station using Radio
Tues 3/24, 5:30-8:30pm - Bird Watching Walk (Step Counter)
Thurs 3/26, 5:00-8:00 - Engineering with Micro:bit

Where: Virtual
Who: Pennsylvania teachers only

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

CodeJoy FREE Micro:bit in the Wild Asynchronous Video Course

The "Micro:bit in the Wild" course integrates computer science with hands-on environmental activities, fostering a deep connection between learners and their surroundings. By engaging with tools like the BBC micro:bit, students can explore real-world phenomena such as weather patterns, animal migrations, and ecological systems, while developing critical thinking and coding skills.

When: At your convenience!
Where: Online, Asynchronous
Who: Designed for 3rd-12th teachers interested in environmental literacy and/or computer science
What Else? This is a FREE, 3 hours and 21 minute course; participants will receive 2, free micro:bits.

LEARN MORE + REGISTER

CodeJoy FREE Student Sessions

CodeJoy FREE Student Shows for this school year are on the calendar!

Robot Garden
Robot Haunted House
Robot Mini Golf
Robot Memories
Robot Aerobics

Robot Romeo
Robot DJ
Robot Relaxation
Robot Rovers

Bring your class, your grade level, or your whole school!

When: View the calendar to view available dates and time
Where: Online (Zoom)
Who: Ideal for 3rd-8th grade students - Beginner to intermediate coders

VIEW CALENDAR + REGISTER

Consortium for Public Education Student Sustainability Design Challenge (SSDC)

The Student Sustainability Design Challenge (SSDC) is a 5-month-long program for both middle and high school students, exposing them to careers in sustainability as they use project-based learning to develop solutions to local challenges in their communities. The program begins with a kickoff in the fall, with students ultimately presenting their ideas to sustainability experts in the spring. Throughout the program, students connect directly with sustainability professionals from across industries; they visit businesses and organizations to see sustainability practices in action; and they develop key employability skills while collaborating to design community-focused solutions to real challenges.

When and Where: Kickoff on November 13th at Rodef Shalom Congregation (Allegheny County).

LEARN MORE

Elementary/Middle School Science Olympiad Program (EMSSOP)

A Science Olympiad consists of different hands-on events where students take an active role in exploring science topics related to the school’s science curriculum. The events can be scheduled to occur as half-day up to three-day competitions.

The program helps students of all abilities succeed in science by making science fun and exciting. It is designed for students in grades 4 through 7; however, it can be adapted to include lower grade levels.

Each event, either competitive or non-competitive in design, meets the current National Science Standards, as well as the Science Standards set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Next Workshop: Friday, November 14

Grants up to $2,500 per school will be awarded for equipment and materials related to the Olympiad. Grants are issued on a first come, first served basis. Grant application will be available November 17.

LEARN MORE

2025 PETE & C 2026

PETE&C offers an unmatched professional development experience with 300+ learning opportunities tailored to a varied audience. Designed to empower educators, technologists, and school leaders with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to drive change.

When: February 1–4, 2026
Where: Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA
Who: Teachers and Instructional Coaches, Tech Directors and IT Staff, Media & Library Specialists, LEA Administrators and Support Staff

LEARN MORE

TransformEd (AIU3) Upcoming Opportunities

The 2025-2026 transformED Professional Development Calendar is full of practical, high-impact FREE learning opportunities that will spark innovation in your classroom.

Check out these September PD opportunities:

Learning Together: Trying Tech with Tomorrow’s Teachers - REGISTRATION CLOSED FOR THIS SESSION
STEM Educator & Innovator Role-Alike
- What: This role-alike group is designed for STEM/STEAM teachers and coordinators to build skills and gain new ideas. Hear how others are integrating everything from maker education to coding and beyond.
- When: Monday, November 17 • 8:30 AM
- Where: Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 East Waterfront Drive Homestead, PA 15120
AI for Absolute Beginners
- What: Leave this workshop with a basic understanding of what AI is and will have opportunities, through guided exploration, to try some well-known tools.
- When: Tuesday, November 18 • 8:30 AM
- Where: Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 East Waterfront Drive Homestead, PA 15120
Ten AI Tools to Transform Your Teaching
- What: Explore the top 10 AI tools for education: see them in action and unlock new ways to elevate your teaching.
- When: Thursday, December 4 • 8:30 AM
- Where: Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 East Waterfront Drive Homestead, PA 15120
Build, Fly, Code, Compete: An Introduction to Drones
- What: Explore flight basics, block coding, and how to bring drones into your classroom.
- When: Tuesday, December 9 • 8:30 AM
- Where: Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 East Waterfront Drive Homestead, PA 15120

LEARN MORE + REGISTER

CSTA Annual Conference

CSTA 2026 offers the best opportunity to connect with the ultimate community of K-12 computer science teachers. Engage with PD created by teachers, for teachers, while experiencing the vibrant culture, incredible cuisine, and historic charm of New Orleans.

When: July 2026; Registration and proposals will open Fall 2025.
Where: New Orleans, LA
Who: K-12 computer science teachers

LEARN MORE

REVIEW CONTENT

PDE SAS Institute 2025

The SAS Institute is a transformative experience designed to empower educational leaders with the tools, strategies, and connections to drive meaningful change.

Learn – Engage in timely, purpose-driven sessions tailored to today’s challenges.
Connect – Build human-centered leadership skills and strengthen professional relationships.
Activate – Participate in a statewide collaborative design session and walk away with a personalized action plan.

When: December 8-10, 2025; Registration opens on September 18, 2025
Where: Hershey Lodge & Convention Center, 325 University Dr, Hershey, PA 17033
Who: Educational leaders

LEARN MORE