Program Offerings
Each summer we offer a slate of unique professional learning experiences for K-12 and non-formal educators. Click on each of the course offerings below to learn more about each program offered this summer!
Special Announcement for NY Teachers: We are happy to share that Lake Champlain Sea Grant is now recognized by the New York State Education Department’s Office of Teaching Initiatives as an approved sponsor of CTLE for Professional Classroom Teachers, School Leaders, and Level III Teaching Assistants. CTLE certificates of completion will be offered for educators in attendance for the full duration of the program. Any questions related to CTLEs can be referred to our NY Coordinator, Tori DesRocher, at tori.desrocher@plattsburgh.edu.
To request a disability-related accommodation to participate in any of our programs, please contact Ashley Eaton at 802-391-4410 or akeaton@uvm.edu by May 1, 2026 so we may assist you.
Watershed Alliance Teacher Researcher Partnership (WATR)
The WATR Partnership leverages local research activities and a state-of-the-art research vessel to provide teachers with a week-long summer field experience exploring watershed science and water quality issues. The R/V Marcelle Melosira is the primary research vessel at the University of Vermont. During WATR, the vessel functions as a floating laboratory and classroom on Lake Champlain. This immersive experience allows teachers to gain valuable experience working alongside research faculty, staff, crew, and community partners to reimagine teaching rooted in place. Through the WATR Partnership, teachers will learn about current and emerging water quality challenges and will become involved in exciting, ongoing research projects! The capstone of this experience will be partnering with a researcher to collaborate on the development of a watershed Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) based unit.
Space is limited in this program due to R/V capacity.
We strongly encourage teaching teams to sign up together. We also aim to have a geographic distribution of teachers from across the watershed. Completing this form does not guarantee that you will be accepted into the program.
Please use this form to apply to participate as a non-credit. Those who wish to take this course for three graduate credits through the University of Vermont should also register on the UVM summer course website. We will email all who register with details about the meeting location and parking for the in-person workshop.
- Dates: Summer intensive (in-person): July 20 – 24, 2026, at the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory. There will be a pre and post summer intensive virtual session (dates/timing will be set by class).
- Program Costs: $400 (reach out if this is an issue; there are a few scholarships)
Registration: Please contact Ashley Eaton at akeaton@uvm.edu to register.
Questions? Contact: Ashley Eaton, akeaton@uvm.edu
Watershed for Every Classroom (WEC)
Watershed for Every Classroom (WEC) is a year-long professional development experience for K-12 educators in the Lake Champlain Basin of Vermont, New York and Québec, brought to you by CBEI – the Champlain Basin Education Initiative. WEC is a year-long, supported professional development program for educators who teach in the Lake Champlain Basin, presented by the Champlain Basin Education Initiative. The stories of the Lake Champlain Basin offer multiple ways to teach all subjects; engage students in learning in their community; and provide a way to integrate content, service, and a sense of belonging to one’s home place.
We will explore how people, places, and things tell the stories of the Lake Champlain Basin and offer our students the opportunity to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of content, community engagement, and sense of place. Teams of two or more educators are encouraged to apply. Individuals are also welcome. The year long program kicks off with a week-long summer intensive in mid- July and continues throughout the school year. The program is most suited for educators working in grades 4-9, but is applicable to all subject areas and grades. Learn more!
2026-27 Watershed for Every Classroom Dates:
- August 3-6, 2026
- September 25, 2026
- January 22, 2027
- April 29-May 1, 2027
Learn more: https://watershedmatters.org/cbei-programs/watershed-for-every-classroom/
Registration link coming soon!
Watershed Wise Teacher Training
Offered each fall and spring Watershed Alliance holds trainings for teachers participating in the Stream Monitoring and Stewardship program. Participation in the training ensures that you will be eligible for future programs as well as getting seniority for borrowing Watershed Alliance equipment and materials.
The training covers the hands-on activities of the Stream Monitoring and Stewardship program which was developed over fifteen years ago for middle and high school students and their teachers. Additionally, we will discuss helpful pre-teaching resources as well as examples of stewardship and outreach projects.
For VT trainings contact our Vermont Education team at watershd@uvm.edu
For NY trainings contact Tori DesRocher at tori.desrocher@plattsburgh.edu