Teacher Professional Development

Students seated in a classroom listening to presenter
At a Glance

Thank you, teachers, for all you do! You are making a difference and empowering the minds of the future. 

We hope you can join us for an upcoming teacher professional development workshop. These workshops provide continuing professional development units (CPDUs) for K-12 teachers and are also open to the community at large. 

Implementing Hour of Code for Any Age

Using problem-solving skills to promote computer science

  • Presenter: Dr. Carmen Allen, LLCC professor of computer science
  • Where: Zoom (Zoom link sent two days before program start date)
  • When: Tuesday, July 19, 1-2 p.m. OR Wednesday, Oct. 5, 4-5 p.m.
  • CPDUs: 1
  • Fee: $25

You don’t have to be a computer science expert to prepare exercises and implement Hour of Code in your classroom. Hour of Code, which is for students in all grades, nurtures problem-solving skills, logic and creativity and uses various technologies such as PCs, smartphones and tablets. Some activities are also “unplugged” and don’t require a computer at all. Join LLCC Computer Science Professor Dr. Carmen Allen to learn about how to access free Hour of Code resources, develop lesson plans and prepare your students for 21st century career paths. Resources will be provided that include interactive learning experiences for students of all grades based on pedagogical knowledge and evidence-based practices.

Free Apps & Games for Your Classroom & Beyond

Show & tell style

  • Presenter: Christie Hovey, LLCC professor of business 
  • Where: Zoom (Zoom link sent two days before program start date)
  • When: Wednesday, July 13, 10 a.m.-noon. OR Thursday, Sept. 8, 3-5 p.m.
  • CPDUs: 2
  • Fee: $39

With the variety and development of new apps/games to try out all the time, it is easy to put them on the back burner and then simply never find the time to review them. This session will offer K-12 educators the space to share and to try out free apps/games that can be utilized in classrooms with students. At the end of the presentation, participants will have watched a demonstration of, tested out and added to their list of free apps/games to use in their classrooms and/or to make available to their students outside of class time.

The Basics About Honeybees

  • Presenter: Dave Cox, LLCC professor of biology
  • Where: Virtual lectures at your own pace with face-to-face, hands-on session at the LLCC apiary, 2321 West Lake Shore Dr., Springfield, IL 62794 (next to campus)
  • When: June 1-14: three hours of self-paced videos; June 15, 10 a.m.-noon: hands-on session at LLCC apiary (rain date is June 22)
  • CPDUs: 5
  • Fee: $79

Honeybees influence our lives more than we realize, and their benefits often go unnoticed. In this hybrid course, you will learn about seasonal changes that occur within a honeybee's life during the online portion followed by hands-on practical application at LLCC’s new apiary. Educators will discover common misconceptions, gain a greater appreciation and understanding of honeybees and learn the essentials to care for them.