What is the EarthEcho Academy?

The EarthEcho Academy grounds environmental STEM (E-STEM) content in some of the biggest, most complex challenges facing our planet. Through the EarthEcho Academy continued professional learning courses, teachers have ready-to-use classroom resources that are accompanied by EarthEcho Academy workshops providing real-time professional support and a community of practice to provide strategies to develop students’ inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

What EarthEcho Academy courses are currently available?

From October - November 2023, EarthEcho International invites teachers in the United States and the United Kingdom to join us for a virtual continuing professional learning experience as we dive into An Ocean of Opportunity! Through this EarthEcho Academy professional development offering, teachers will better understand and be equipped with ready-to-use materials to instruct about the “blue” economy, ocean exploration, the ocean as a source of renewable energy and innovation, and ocean-based solutions to climate change.

Who is eligible to attend EarthEcho Academy’s current course offering?

While any formal or informal educator is invited to join EarthEcho International's Academy sessions, the stipend eligibility for the An Ocean of Opportunity course is supported by the Northrop Grumman Foundation and is limited. Stipend awards for each session will be based on registration order once course requirements are completed.

Teachers who have been previous recipients of Northrop Grumman-related awards (i.e. Space Camp, Scaling Up for STEM) must indicate that they have been a recipient in the past and are not eligible for the stipend. Additionally, teachers and/or their immediate family members who are currently employed by Northrop Grumman must also disclose their status and are not eligible for the stipend.

• US TEACHERS: Active middle school (grades 6-8) classroom teachers in public schools are eligible to apply and may receive a stipend upon completion of the course.
• UK TEACHERS: Active Secondary (Years 7-9, KS3) classroom teachers are eligible to apply and may receive a £100 stipend upon completion of the course.

When will the An Ocean of Opportunity course take place?

This Fall, EarthEcho will accept applications for teachers based in the United States (grades 6-8) and the United Kingdom (years 7-9, KS3). Each cohort will take place virtually between October 18 - November 15, 2023.

Participation in the four-week virtual course results in:

• A stipend for eligible teachers (see eligibility criteria above);
• A certificate of completion documenting 15 continued professional development credit hours;
• A suite of ready-to-use multimedia resources, including four interactive guides to topics in the Blue Economy, Ocean Renewable Resources, Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Biotechnology;
• Five virtual Zoom sessions to connect with fellow educators for community learning and reflection;
• Exclusive access to additional opportunities and resources that support exploration of environmental STEM (E-STEM) instruction including scholarship opportunities for national conferences like the Association for Science Education (ASE in the UK), the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA in the US) and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE in the US).

Is there a fee to participate in EarthEcho Academy?

There is no cost to participate. This program is generously supported by Northrop Grumman Foundation. While there is no cost to participate, eligible teachers may receive a stipend upon completion of the course (see eligibility requirements above).

What is the timeline for teachers to participate in the current course?

• US TEACHERS: Applications are open until October 12, 2023. The US cohort of teachers will convene virtually from October 18 - November 15, 2023. During the course dates, participating teachers will learn together as a community, both with self-paced, asynchronous assignments and with scheduled, synchronous Zoom sessions to come together for reflection.
• UK TEACHERS:  Applications are open until October 13, 2023. The UK cohort of teachers will convene virtually from October 18 - November 15, 2023. During the course dates, participating teachers will learn together as a community, both with self-paced, asynchronous assignments and with scheduled, synchronous Zoom sessions to come together for reflection.

What are other ways I can connect with EarthEcho International?

Be sure to connect with us via social media on Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and Instagram to learn the latest about our work and opportunities for educators and youth.

Still have questions? Please direct additional questions to EarthEcho’s Associate Director of Programs, kasey@earthecho.org.

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