Thank you for your interest in the National Estuarine Research Reserves Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) trainings. For more information, visit the TOTE workshops page or download the TOTE information sheet.
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January 21 - 22, 2026
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New York: Hudson River Teacher's on the Estuary (TOTE) WorkshopDescriptionFrom Spotted Lanternfly to Water Chestnut: Teaching about Biological Invasions. What are the common and incoming invasive species in the Hudson Watershed? Discussion on what defines them as an invasive species, the different vectors that can introduce them and contribute to their spread, and how we try to understand and mitigate their damage to the environment. Register |
March 16 - 17, 2026
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Florida: Guana Tolomato Matanzas Teacher's on the Estuary (TOTE) WorkshopDescriptionJoin Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) Teacher's on the Estuary (TOTE) Workshop debuting a new set of educational lessons to rent and take into your classroom for free! In collaboration with Florida's Statewide Ecosystem Assessment of Coastal and Aquatic Resources (SEACAR), "Traveling Trunks" are now available for teachers to reserve. Focusing on Florida's diverse coastal habitats, the trunks contain hands-on, engaging activities that include data collected by local scientists! GHF Training: The Art of Coral Reefs STEAM Training NEW!!
For more information, contact Josephine Spearman. Register |
May 15 - 17, 2026
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Special Edition: Teachers on the Estuary for Bilingual Educators, Scientists, and StorytellersDescriptionThis 1-night, 2-day professional development program offers an immersive learning experience for bilingual educators, scientists, and storytellers. Participants will engage in field-based science at the estuary and learn strategies for integrating place-based environmental investigations into bilingual classrooms and community learning spaces. Post-program, participants will design educational resources that enable students to explore watershed systems, biodiversity, and environmental change through inquiry, storytelling, and community-engaged science. Timing: Camping will be available starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15; programming begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 16; the Institute will end at 12 p.m. on Sunday, May 17. Accommodations: Tent camping at Silver Strand State Beach (bring your own tent and sleeping bag). Food: Meals and snacks included; bring additional snacks, as desired. For more information, contact Haley Calhoun. Register |
May 26 - 28, 2026
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California: San Francisco Bay Teachers on the Estuary WorkshopDescriptionIn our interactive Teacher's on the Estuary (TOTE) workshop for pre-service elementary teachers, we will:
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May 30 - 31, 2026
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Delaware: Teachers on the Estuary - Green Eggs and SandDescriptionTeachers on the Estuary: Green Eggs and Sand: Explore the connection between horseshoe crabs, shorebirds, and the Delaware Bay! The Green Eggs & Sand workshop will take place the weekend of May 30 - 31 at the St. Jones Reserve, located in Dover, DE. This workshop includes two full days of presentations from local horseshoe crab and shorebird experts, hands-on activities, as well as a night trip to a horseshoe crab spawning beach on the evening of May 30th. To register, please email laurel.sullivan@delaware.gov. Register |
June 9 - 11, 2026
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Mississippi: Disruptors of Diversity - Invasive Species on the Mississippi Coast (TOTE) WorkshopDescriptionJoin us for our Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) workshop! This year's engaging workshop will focus on the invasive species we have on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Local educators are invited to join Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve's science and education staff in an immersive workshop filled with activities and resources. This workshop is geared towards middle and high school teachers, but all subjects and grade levels are welcome! To register, please email jennifer.cumbest@dmr.ms.gov. Register |
June 10 - 12, 2026
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Ohio: Old Woman Creek Erie County Teacher's on the Estuary (TOTE) - Lake ErieDescriptionWelcome to Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) - a STEM teacher workshop exploring water quality, estuary science, and coastal habitats. This immersive experience is returning to Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve from 9am - 4pm! Don't miss this opportunity for hands-on learning and exploration that can bring new insights on curriculum standards to your classroom. Learn from local scientists, educators, and natural resource managers. We will go from the watershed out into the lake at Ohio State's Stone Lab campus to learn how our actions on land impact the lake. This event is perfect for educators looking to enhance their knowledge of the relationship between land use and water quality, and bring exciting new lessons on conservation to their students. Dive into the world of estuaries and improve your understanding on:
This 3-day workshop is a partnership between Erie Conservation District and Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve to benefit Erie County teachers within the STEM discipline. Cost for registration is $50.00. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Register |
June 11 - 12, 2026
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South Carolina: ACE Basin Teacher's on the Estuary (TOTE) "SC Seafood Sensation"DescriptionEvery summer we offer a workshop for teachers using the estuary as our classroom. The theme of this year's Teacher's on the Estuary (TOTE) is SC Seafood Sensation, tying in the research and biology of shrimp, blue crabs, and oysters with the commercial and recreational seafood industry that is an important part of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Join us to learn about South Carolina's top three commercial seafood species and their relationship with the estuary. And YES, we will be cooking seafood! Participants will take home real-world examples and resources to connect your students to the estuary through careers, recreation, and food. This FREE workshop will take place over two full days (9:00am - 5:00pm). Spending one day in the ACE Basin and the other in Charleston. Some lodging is available at the McKenzie Field Station in Bennetts Point for those who need it. Requirements:
For more information, contact Erica Connery. Register |
June 11 - 12, 2026
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North Carolina: Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE)DescriptionJoin us for Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE), a professional development workshop designed to dramatically improve your understanding of North Carolina's estuarine environments and rich maritime resources. This immersive program takes learning out of the classroom and into the field. You will visit the pristine Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research Reserve and the fascinating Bonehenge Whale Center, gaining firsthand experience in some of our state's most vital ecosystems. Along the way, you will have the unique opportunity to interact directly with local scientists and experienced coastal educators who are actively working to preserve these habitats. The ultimate goal of this workshop is to help you promote student stewardship and foster a deep appreciation for North Carolina's coast within your own classroom. You will receive high-quality educational content and resources that are fully aligned with current N.C. State Standards. To register, please email Lori Davis at lori.c.davis@ncdenr.gov. Register |
June 16 - 18, 2026
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Oregon: South Slough Teachers on the Estuary - Wade into summer 2026 by exploring Oregon SeafoodDescriptionJoin Oregon Sea Grant and the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve as we wade into the exciting world of estuarine and ocean fisheries, and the role they play in Oregon coastal communities. Teachers will spend three days in and around Charleston learning from commercial fishermen, researchers, Indigenous voices, resource managers, seafood processors and other industry professionals. This workshop will increase understanding of coastal habitats, life histories of valuable coastal species, economic importance and community connections. Participants will receive:
Registration is required and will close June 6th, 2026 or when the workshop is full. For more information, contact Jaime Belanger. Register |
June 16 - 18, 2026
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Great Lakes as a Classroom: Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) WorkshopDescriptionThis three-day experience will connect classroom teaching with real-world environmental challenges and solutions across the Great Lakes region. Collaborate with scientists, education specialists, and fellow educators from Wisconsin and Ohio to explore current conditions, human and natural impacts, and practical strategies for community science and stewardship. Through field experiences, interactive sessions, and ready-to-use resources, you'll gain tools to inspire your students and bring Great Lakes learning into your classroom. For more information or to register, contact Luciana Ranelli. Register |
June 23 - 25, 2026
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Ohio: Advanced Wonders of Wetlands Teacher's on the Estuary (TOTE) WorkshopDescriptionThis TOTE is an Advanced Wonders of Wetlands workshop partnering with Geauga and Portage SWCDs. This workshop will focus on land uses in the Lake Erie basin. Compare and contrast land use along Ohio's Lake Erie coastline and their impacts to the lake. For more information, contact Jennifer Bucheit. Register |
June 23 - 26, 2026
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Washington: Teachers on the Estuary Workshop for Elementary EducatorsDescriptionCome prepared to get your hands dirty, spark your imagination, and connect with fellow innovative educators! Using resources like the Ocean Sciences Sequences Curriculum and Padilla Bay's Estuary Curriculum as a framework, this multi-day, in-person art and science workshop for formal and non-formal elementary educators adds an estuary twist. Enjoy learning with colleagues at beautiful Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. In this Teacher's on the Estuary (TOTE) workshop, educators will engage in:
Ocean Sciences Curriculum Sequences are in-depth curriculum units that deliver rich science content correlated to the Next Generation Science Standards, with an emphasis on the Practices of Science. The Grades 3-5 Sequence engages students in exploring ocean currents, habitats, organism diversity, food webs, and human interconnections with the ocean. We will be blending science lessons with art activities. By integrating art and science we will deepen conceptual understanding and increase student engagement by learning how to transform abstract scientific data into relatable, human experiences. There will be an optional field trip on June 25th. Participants will head to the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA) in La Conner to learn about educational art resources available for teachers from MoNA. We will enjoy a picnic lunch followed by an art walking tour of the town of La Conner. Participants will receive:
Space is limited, so sign up today! Registration ends June 18, 2026. Register |
June 30, 2026 - July 2, 2026
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Virginia: Chesapeake Bay Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) - Exploring Coastal Acidification in ActionDescriptionBy the end of the professional development, teachers will be able to:
For more information or to register, contact Sarah Nuss. Register |
July 14 - 26, 2026
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Ohio: Lake Erie's Watershed Inhabitants Teacher's on the Estuary (TOTE) WorkshopDescriptionThis TOTE focuses on Northeast Ohio's water and what lives in the water. Investigations will start at the bottom of the food chain with plankton and go up to the top with piscivorous fish and birds of prey. Priority is given to urban Cleveland teachers. For more information or to register, contact Jennifer Bucheit. Register |
July 14 - 16, 2026
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Maine: Wells Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) WorkshopDescriptionWe are putting teachers on the estuary again this summer by offering a free workshop that will provide educators with activities to bring back to their classes. The workshop will train up to twelve educators in water quality and weather monitoring, nature journaling, and marine debris investigations, while exploring the marsh and intertidal habitats on foot and the estuary by kayak. It is geared towards middle and high school science teachers, though other educators are welcome to apply. The three-day Teachers on the Estuary workshop will get teachers outside on the estuary and marsh, learning by doing. It will also expose teachers to a Reserve scientist, who will present on current research and provide applicable ways of teaching scientific concepts back in the classroom. This TOTE workshop will equip teachers with activities they can replicate with their students. Time for reflection while nature journaling and processing with fellow teachers will be provided each day. Please see the registration link for an agenda! Each teacher will receive:
Teachers traveling a distance will also receive free lodging in Wells. Register |
July 27 - 31, 2026
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Maryland: Chesapeake Bay Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) WorkshopDescriptionTeachers on the Estuary: Science and Supporting Student Success Phenomena-based learning experiences boost student engagement and curiosity and help teachers connect learning to real-world, local events. This course is designed to model various phenomena-based learning frameworks for middle and high school students through participant-driven outdoor field experiences and authentic research conducted by a community of educators in an immersive, joyful, and supportive environment. This dynamic five-day program to explore coastal habitats and iconic communities is offered in collaboration with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and Maryland's Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and with special guests from the Dorchester County Health Department to help us learn about local environmental and human health interactions. Length & Location: Five days of collaborative, outdoor learning at CBF's Karen Noonan Memorial Environmental Education Center for a residential experience. We will prepare and clean up meals as a group. Shared dorm-style housing, food, and cooking supplies are provided while at the center. Participants supply their own linens. Course Credit: Upon successful course completion, participants may be eligible for continuing education credit or contact hours. See details on the Professional Learning Credits page. Orientation Date: A virtual orientation will take place Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Please save the meeting link shared in your confirmation email. Cost: $125. Reduced fee due to support from generous sponsors and Maryland's Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made six weeks before the course's start date will receive a full refund minus a $75 processing fee. No refunds will be granted after June 15, 2026; however, we are happy to transfer registration to another course if space allows. All cancellation and transfer requests must be made in writing and sent to the Chesapeake Classrooms team. Registration closes July 7, 2026. Register |
July 27 - 29, 2026
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Rhode Island: Narragansett Bay Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE)DescriptionImmerse yourself in the beautiful setting of the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on Prudence Island where you will learn about current research and monitoring projects from Reserve staff. Return to your classroom with techniques for outdoor data collection and lessons using local data to share with your students. We'll also be joined by Maja Nielsen, University of Rhode Island graduate student, who will share her research on blue crab populations and their impacts on saltmarsh ecosystems. We'll discover what critters call the salt marsh home through various sampling techniques before taking our observations back to the classroom to map out food webs and consequences of shifting species composition. Workshop content is most applicable for middle and high school science teachers.
Workshop is FREE, including shared dorm-style lodging and meals on Prudence Island. Register now as space is limited to 10 educators. Contact Maureen Dewire, Education Coordinator to register: maureen.dewire@dem.ri.gov. Register |
August 10 - 12, 2026
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Connecticut: Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) Workshop - The Wonders of EelgrassDescriptionThe Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve is offering its 2026 Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) workshop August 10-12, 2026. This three-day workshop will allow you to explore eelgrass habitats in Long Island Sound and discover new ways to inspire yourself, revamp your curriculum, and engage your students. During this workshop, you'll learn why eelgrass beds in Long Island Sound are such an important habitat and how they are studied, managed, and restored. We'll take a kayaking adventure to see eelgrass first-hand and tour UConn Avery Point's Rankin Lab to learn about local scientists' studies. You'll also practice research activities you can do with your students and explore The Eelgrass Game, an interactive activity where students take on roles and make decisions on how they will care for or harm eelgrass beds. This Game is available for use through a free loan kit. This workshop will be geared toward middle and high school level science teachers but all are welcome. It is free and a stipend (~$400) is available. Participants are expected to attend all three days of the workshop. Space is limited so be sure to reserve your spot soon if you are interested. For more information, contact Larissa Graham. Register |
August 19 - 20, 2026
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Massachusetts: Teachers on the Estuary - Working Together for WatershedsDescriptionWe all live within a watershed and community collaboration is essential for healthy ecosystems. Participants in this Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) workshop will explore coastal habitats, conduct field investigations, and explore tools that gamify cooperative decision-making. Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) scientists will escort teachers to their long-term monitoring sites and experienced educators will demonstrate how to incorporate that local and national data into classrooms. Through cooperative gameplay of the Watershed Game: Classroom Version participants will put into practice plans and policies to decrease water pollution and increase a community's resilience to flooding while balancing financial resources. Teachers will take home resources to replicate the activities in their own classroom. Course content and activities will be aligned with Massachusetts state science and math frameworks and Next Generation Science Standards. August 19th and 20th (in person at WBNERR) and November 4th (virtual). To register, please email Sonia.Ahrabi-Nejad@mass.gov. Register |
October 14 - 15, 2026
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South Carolina: North Inlet-Winyah Bay Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) - Rivers to Bays: Exploring our Watershed ConnectionsDescriptionBring watershed and estuary education into your classrooms! Join North Inlet-Winyah Bay Reserve education and research staff at Hobcaw Barony in Georgetown, SC, exploring Winyah Bay & North Inlet estuaries. This FREE two-day immersive Teachers on the Estuary (TOTE) professional development workshop is scheduled for fall break for Georgetown, Williamsburg, and Florence County educators. It features engaging activities and exploration of the estuary ecosystems of the 16,000-acre nature preserve. Space is limited! Register now. Overnight on-site dormitory lodging, all workshop supplies, food, activities, and on-site transportation are provided. A certificate for fifteen (15) hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be provided upon completion of the workshop exit survey. Requirements:
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