Teacher Training

In the summer of 2007, SEI fulfilled a longstanding need by introducing an annual workshop designed to train teachers who wanted to bring renewable energy education to their K-12 students. The teacher training program and resulting network of passionate energy teachers has grown steadily from there.

Taught at the inspiring Third Street Center in Carbondale, Colorado, our teacher training workshops allow teachers from all over the country (and beyond) to gain an understanding of energy efficiency and renewable energy concepts through hands-on activities that can be implemented in any classroom. These workshops also forge relationships between educators with similar interests. Participants are eligible to receive graduate-level credits through Mesa State College.

"The workshop’s quality was excellent… the experiences and the knowledge gained far exceeded any dollar amount.” - 2010 workshop participant.

Teacher Training Workshops

In 2007, SEI created its first accredited teacher training workshop, now called  Teaching Solar Energy to Kids.  This workshop allows us to effectively increase our national outreach by bringing in youth educators from around the country. These teachers and non-formal educators return to their schools as energy champions, armed with hands-on techniques and materials for effectively conveying renewable energy concepts.

For 2012, we are combining the fundamental workshop above with our popular Solar Suitcase Training to form one 5-day workshop culminating in building solar suitcases. This incredible program allows teachers to build small, portable standalone photovoltaic systems based on those sent to maternal health clinics in developing countries - where the electricity they provide can literally make a life-or-death difference for mothers giving birth. The whole project can then be recreated with students who learn about solar electricity, energy efficiency and selfless giving.

Free Online Course

In 2010 Solar In the Schools dramatically increased its range by adding a free, high-school-level Introduction to Renewable Energy online course covering energy efficiency and the many types of renewable energy. We highly encourage teachers to take this course and evaluate it as curriculum to be used with high school students. This course is also available en espanol.

Printable Flier

Printable flier of the 2011 Teacher Training Workshops (Please post in your staff room!)

Printable Solar in the Schools trifold brochure

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Solar Energy International's teacher training workshops are heavily subsidized to keep costs down for teachers. The workshops would not be possible without your support!
Click the Donate Now! button and be sure to indicate "Solar In the Schools" in the comments area on the donation payment page

SOLAR IN THE SCHOOLS CONTACT INFO

   
   Noah Davis
   Solar In the Schools Manager
   (970) 963-8855 ext 114