Professional Teacher Development
Professional Training for Teachers
Seatuck has been providing professional development opportunities for teachers for over a decade. This work focuses on helping teachers develop a deeper understanding of Long Island’s natural history and learning techniques for using the outdoors as an extension of the classroom and incorporating the natural world into daily lessons. Seatuck’s work with teachers includes both the annual year-long Greentree Foundation Teachers’ Ecology Workshop and custom, shorter trainings for teacher groups, grade levels, administrators, schools or districts.
Greentree Teachers’ Ecology Workshop
The Greentree Foundation Teachers’ Ecology Workshop, which was founded by Seatuck and the Greentree Foundation in 2012, is a year-long program to provide school teachers with the knowledge and techniques they need to teach Long Island students about the natural world more effectively. Two sessions of the Workshop are offered: one for elementary school teachers and one for middle & high school teachers.
The Workshop includes a one-week session at Greentree’s historic 400-acre property in Manhasset, seven seasonal one-day field trips across Long Island throughout the school year, and a graduation reception at Greentree at the end of the program.
The Workshop provides participants with:
- Familiarity with Long Island’s geological history
- General knowledge of local ecosystems and wildlife
- Strategies & tools for using the outdoors as an extension of the classroom
- Existing curriculum to connect students to nature
- A forum to share challenges & successes with peers
- Engagement and ongoing dialogue about nature-based teaching with a community of over 300 Workshop alumni from across Long Island
In addition to Seatuck and Greentree staff, Workshop instructors include professors from Adelphi University, Hofstra University, and other local experts. The Workshop qualifies for a maximum of 70 hours of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) through Adelphi University, a NYS CTLE-approved institution. Participants can also earn up to 6 graduate credits ($500/credit) through Adelphi University.
Custom Teacher Trainings
In addition to the Greentree Ecology Workshop, Seatuck offers customized professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators. These programs, which can be half-day, full-day or multi-day, can focus on a range of subjects, including various natural history topics, the value of nature-based teaching, techniques for teaching outdoors, and strategies for incorporating hands-on nature experiences into the curriculum. All programs can be adjusted to varying grade levels.
Related Information
General Public Programs
Our all-ages programs are targeted for family groups and designed to be suitable for everyone. Our adult programs are more challenging, offer a higher-level interpretation & instruction, and focus on more sophisticated topics.
School Programs & Field Trips
Seatuck offers a range of programming for school districts. We provide in-class presentations and outdoor programs, which can be held on school grounds, at parks and preserves near the school or at other exciting locations across Long Island. We also offer field trips to one of three educational facilities: The Suffolk County Environmental Center in Islip, the South Shore Nature Center in East Islip, and the Sherwood Jayne Farm in East Setauket.
Summer Programs
Seatuck’s summer programs are perfect for children with an interest in nature, animals or plants. Registration now open.