STEM Courses for Certificate Renewal

WEA’s Inclusionary Practices Project (IPP) is a state-wide focus on professional development designed to support staff to increase inclusion for students with disabilities. The project is funded by OSPI and open to all educators/stakeholders in WA state (including education support professionals, administration, paraeducators, parents, special education personnel, and general education personnel.)

Visit the OSPI website at www.k12.wa.us/educator-support/continuing-education-clock-hours/stem-clock-hours for more information regarding the STEM requirement for certificate renewal. All trainings below meet the professional and continuing elementary and secondary certificate renewal requirements for STEM (RCW 28A.10.2212).

For questions regarding STEM courses, contact Thera Grady.

STEM Zoom Courses (Asynchronous)

Courses held via Zoom in real time (synchronous).
Register ASAP! Classes fill up quickly and there is not a waitlist option.
After clicking the registration link, select the course you want to register for from the
dropdown menu.
Once registration is full, the course will no longer be available in the drop down menu.
Registration is a TWO Step Process
1. Register for each course using the link listed below for each course.
2. Use the registration link in your confirmation email to complete the Zoom registration.
You will immediately be directed to the course Zoom information page, including the link
to access the course. SAVE this information. You can also add the event information to
your calendar from this page.
Courses are free and clock hours will be provided.
As these offerings are funded through a grant from OSPI, you do not have to be a WEA member to attend.
Please test your computer's video and audio HERE before the course start. Technical assistance will not be provided.
Course evaluations will be emailed to attendees approximately 5-10 business days after each course. Once completed and submitted, a clock hour verification form will be sent via email. Please check your spam/junk folders for the emails. Use the clock hour verification form to process your clock hours and/or attendance according to your distrcit policies.

Essentials of Game-Based Learning in the Inclusive Classroom (3 clock hours)

Thursday, May 2, 2024
4:30pm - 7:30pm

This course will serve as an introduction explaining the role of game-based learning in the inclusive classroom. Research will be presented to explain how this instructional practice can be applied to engage and reach ALL learners. Participants will be building a game and sharing their creations. Participants will understand what game-based learning is and how it positively impacts student learning; identify what does and what does not constitute game-based learning (GBL); explore how to increase inclusion and engagement so that all students can access game-based learning; and explore evidence-based strategies for implementing game-based learning in their classroom environment.
Register: 5/2/24

Implementing Game-Based Learning in the Inclusive Classroom (3 clock hours)

Friday, May 3, 2024
4:30pm - 7:30pm

This course will dive into game-based learning (GBL) as participants build games in order to work with their content and teach students. We will be examining game mechanics as well as game development. Participants will explore evidence-based strategies for implementing game-based learning in the classroom; explore how game mechanics influence and guide the design of game-based learning; learn how to increase inclusion and engagement so that all students can access game-based learning; and create a game-based learning experience designed to engage all students.
Register: 5/3/24

Essentials of Gamification in the Inclusive Classroom (3 clock hours)

Thursday, May 9, 2024
4:30pm - 7:30pm

If you are curious about what constitutes gamification and how gamification can excite and engage more learners in your classroom, this introductory course on gamification is for you. In this course, participants will learn what gamification is and what it is not. Participants will explore the different aspects of gamification to get ideas for ways they can gamify their classroom, including any STEM curricula. Participants will see examples of ways to gamify any course, including planning documents, technology that supports gamification, and career pathways.
Register: 5/9/24

Implementing Gamification in the Inclusive Classroom (3 clock hours)

Friday, May 10, 2024
4:30pm - 7:30pm

For those who understand the difference between gamification and game-based learning and who have some to a good amount of experience with gamification, this course will provide examples of how to launch a gamified lesson, unit, and/or complete course. Participants will see how to gamify any course and any STEM curricula. In this course, participants will have an opportunity to develop a gamified lesson, unit, or course. Participants will share their ideas and get feedback. Participants will also explore evidence-based strategies for implementing elements of gamification in the classroom; learn how to increase inclusion and engagement so that all students can access learning that has been influenced by gamification; and create a gamified learning experience designed to engage all students in any STEM course, providing examples of career opportunities.
Register: 5/10/24

eSports in the Inclusive Classroom (3 clock hours)

Wednesday, May 15, 2024
4:30pm - 7:30pm

In this course, participants will learn how to bring eSports to their classroom or school. Participants will learn how to use Minecraft Education Edition to leverage esports competition in any STEM classroom. Participants will learn how to start an eSports program in their school. Examples will be given for using other games, and career connections will also be explored in this course. Participants will learn how to bring eSports to their classroom or school. Participants will learn how to use Minecraft Education Edition to leverage esports competition in any STEM classroom. Participants will learn how to start an eSports program in their school. Examples will be given for using other games, and career connections will also be explored in this course.
Register: 5/15/24

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Series (STEM) (15 clock hours)

Thursday, May 16, 2024; Friday, May 17, 2024; Wednesday, May 22, 2024;
Thursday, May 23, 2024 and Friday, May 24, 2024 plus 5 hours of asynchronous homework
4:30pm - 6:30pm

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Series provides educators with the knowledge and skills to harness the potential of AI in the educational setting. Through this five-part series, educators will gain a deep understanding of the foundational concepts and significance of AI in education and explore various AI tools. Educators will learn to integrate these AI tools into their instructional practices, personalizing learning, and increasing student engagement. Ethical considerations are also addressed, delving into crucial aspects such as data privacy, originality use, and equity in AI use. As educators reflect on their schools and classrooms, they will gain valuable insights into the future implications and opportunities of AI in education, preparing them for an evolving role as facilitators of cutting-edge, technology-driven learning environments.
Register: A ll Dates