Professional Development
Effective teachers commit to furthering their own learning as well as their students’ learning. Practicing educators take part in regular professional development opportunities in order to be effective and engaged teachers. The College of Education fosters this career-long commitment to learning and professional development by requiring our undergraduate students seeking initial licensure to complete a series of Professional Growth Units, or PGUs.
All undergraduate students in licensure majors who entered NC State in fall 2011 or later must complete a minimum of 4.5 PGUs prior to graduation. All MAT students must complete a minimum of 2 PGUs prior to graduation. It is recommended that all undergraduate students complete a minimum of 1.5 PGUs per year and MAT students complete a minimum of 1.0 PGU per year. You cannot complete all of your PGU requirements in one academic year.
The College holds a variety of professional development events each semester that offer PGU credit. Qualifying events lasting 45 minutes to one hour earn 0.5 PGU, with longer events earning additional PGU credit. The maximum number of PGUs a student can earn for a single event is 1.5. We expect students to have completed a variety of opportunities within their required PGUs. Therefore, attending the same PGU experience every year will not be accepted. For example, all PGUs coming from conference attendance will not be accepted.
This semester’s events are listed below.
Please check back frequently as new events will be listed as they become available.
Join the National Science Teaching Association for a presentation from the Raleigh Fire Department on fire safety and prevention with the opportunity to use a fire extinguisher in real fire scenarios!
Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Parking next to Poe Hall
Audience: Preservice science teachers
Contact: Georgia Alexander (glalexan@ncsu.edu)
Credit: 0.5
This PGU will provide a safe space to explore and collaborate using MicroBit in teaching and learning. The participants will be introduced to MicroBit, an educational technology tool created by Microsoft that has been used in the classroom to improve student engagement in class activities. MicroBit uses different coding platforms and processes, depending on the user’s experience level, which is highly applicable to multi-subject classrooms. The session facilitator will model how to program the MicroBits generally before encouraging them to try manipulating the MicroBit for themselves. At the end of the session, the facilitator will ask participants to use their classroom learning objectives to brainstorm how MicroBit can be incorporated into instructional activities. This PGU session will be required prior to Intro Microbit & Meet Finch session II. This PGU is open to all College of Education students.
Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: D.H. Hill Library
Audience: All College Students
Credit: 0.5
Contact: Yuru Zhang (yzhan287@ncsu.edu)
This is a four-week virtual program aimed at developing skills and strategies for working effectively across cultural differences. Each session is 90 minutes long and facilitated on Zoom. It offers participants an opportunity to explore the world from home by connecting with peers and colleagues around the world. Additionally, participating in the program will earn you a certificate and PGU credit for MAT and undergraduate students. There are three sessions from which you can choose one that fits your schedule.
PD 732 001
Mondays Feb 3, 10, 17, and 24, 7:00-8:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 002
Wednesdays Feb 5, 12, 19 and 26, 8:00-9:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 003
Thursdays Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27 8:30-10:00 AM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
NSTA will host 2-3 informal science educators to share their experiences and answer relevant questions regarding their informal science education experience for folks interested in pursuing the wide range of opportunities in informal science education. Our informal educators have a wide array of experiences and are excited to share in their love of science! Food will be provided. If you are interested in receiving calendar invites from NSTA for this and future events, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/Nr8P26Z4ctGXs76y9
We hope to see you there!
Date: Tuesday, February 4th, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: D.H. Hill Library, Room 2131
Audience: Preservice science teachers (or anyone interested in informal science education)!
Contact: Georgia Alexander (glalean@ncsu.edu)
Credit: 0.5
This is a four-week virtual program aimed at developing skills and strategies for working effectively across cultural differences. Each session is 90 minutes long and facilitated on Zoom. It offers participants an opportunity to explore the world from home by connecting with peers and colleagues around the world. Additionally, participating in the program will earn you a certificate and PGU credit for MAT and undergraduate students. There are three sessions from which you can choose one that fits your schedule.
PD 732 001
Mondays Feb 3, 10, 17, and 24, 7:00-8:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 002
Wednesdays Feb 5, 12, 19 and 26, 8:00-9:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 003
Thursdays Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27 8:30-10:00 AM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
This is a four-week virtual program aimed at developing skills and strategies for working effectively across cultural differences. Each session is 90 minutes long and facilitated on Zoom. It offers participants an opportunity to explore the world from home by connecting with peers and colleagues around the world. Additionally, participating in the program will earn you a certificate and PGU credit for MAT and undergraduate students. There are three sessions from which you can choose one that fits your schedule.
PD 732 001
Mondays Feb 3, 10, 17, and 24, 7:00-8:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 002
Wednesdays Feb 5, 12, 19 and 26, 8:00-9:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 003
Thursdays Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27 8:30-10:00 AM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
This is a four-week virtual program aimed at developing skills and strategies for working effectively across cultural differences. Each session is 90 minutes long and facilitated on Zoom. It offers participants an opportunity to explore the world from home by connecting with peers and colleagues around the world. Additionally, participating in the program will earn you a certificate and PGU credit for MAT and undergraduate students. There are three sessions from which you can choose one that fits your schedule.
PD 732 001
Mondays Feb 3, 10, 17, and 24, 7:00-8:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 002
Wednesdays Feb 5, 12, 19 and 26, 8:00-9:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 003
Thursdays Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27 8:30-10:00 AM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
This is a four-week virtual program aimed at developing skills and strategies for working effectively across cultural differences. Each session is 90 minutes long and facilitated on Zoom. It offers participants an opportunity to explore the world from home by connecting with peers and colleagues around the world. Additionally, participating in the program will earn you a certificate and PGU credit for MAT and undergraduate students. There are three sessions from which you can choose one that fits your schedule.
PD 732 001
Mondays Feb 3, 10, 17, and 24, 7:00-8:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 002
Wednesdays Feb 5, 12, 19 and 26, 8:00-9:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 003
Thursdays Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27 8:30-10:00 AM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
This is a four-week virtual program aimed at developing skills and strategies for working effectively across cultural differences. Each session is 90 minutes long and facilitated on Zoom. It offers participants an opportunity to explore the world from home by connecting with peers and colleagues around the world. Additionally, participating in the program will earn you a certificate and PGU credit for MAT and undergraduate students. There are three sessions from which you can choose one that fits your schedule.
PD 732 001
Mondays Feb 3, 10, 17, and 24, 7:00-8:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 002
Wednesdays Feb 5, 12, 19 and 26, 8:00-9:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 003
Thursdays Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27 8:30-10:00 AM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
Come to METRC to make a lighting-up card for Valentine’s Day. This PGU will introduce Cricut design space for attendees, and they will make a card with pre-cut pieces and use the materials to make light-up cards. Students will enhance their problem-solving skills while making cards, and the facilitator will lead a discussion of the ideas of using Circuit in their classroom teaching. This PGU is open to all College of Education students.
Date: Thursday, February 13th, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: METRC (D.H. Hill Library)
Audience: All College of Education Students
Contact Yuru Zhang (yzhan287@ncsu.edu)
Credit: 0.5
This is a four-week virtual program aimed at developing skills and strategies for working effectively across cultural differences. Each session is 90 minutes long and facilitated on Zoom. It offers participants an opportunity to explore the world from home by connecting with peers and colleagues around the world. Additionally, participating in the program will earn you a certificate and PGU credit for MAT and undergraduate students. There are three sessions from which you can choose one that fits your schedule.
PD 732 001
Mondays Feb 3, 10, 17, and 24, 7:00-8:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 002
Wednesdays Feb 5, 12, 19 and 26, 8:00-9:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 003
Thursdays Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27 8:30-10:00 AM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
This is a four-week virtual program aimed at developing skills and strategies for working effectively across cultural differences. Each session is 90 minutes long and facilitated on Zoom. It offers participants an opportunity to explore the world from home by connecting with peers and colleagues around the world. Additionally, participating in the program will earn you a certificate and PGU credit for MAT and undergraduate students. There are three sessions from which you can choose one that fits your schedule.
PD 732 001
Mondays Feb 3, 10, 17, and 24, 7:00-8:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 002
Wednesdays Feb 5, 12, 19 and 26, 8:00-9:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 003
Thursdays Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27 8:30-10:00 AM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
This is a four-week virtual program aimed at developing skills and strategies for working effectively across cultural differences. Each session is 90 minutes long and facilitated on Zoom. It offers participants an opportunity to explore the world from home by connecting with peers and colleagues around the world. Additionally, participating in the program will earn you a certificate and PGU credit for MAT and undergraduate students. There are three sessions from which you can choose one that fits your schedule.
PD 732 001
Mondays Feb 3, 10, 17, and 24, 7:00-8:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 002
Wednesdays Feb 5, 12, 19 and 26, 8:00-9:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 003
Thursdays Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27 8:30-10:00 AM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
This is a four-week virtual program aimed at developing skills and strategies for working effectively across cultural differences. Each session is 90 minutes long and facilitated on Zoom. It offers participants an opportunity to explore the world from home by connecting with peers and colleagues around the world. Additionally, participating in the program will earn you a certificate and PGU credit for MAT and undergraduate students. There are three sessions from which you can choose one that fits your schedule.
PD 732 001
Mondays Feb 3, 10, 17, and 24, 7:00-8:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 002
Wednesdays Feb 5, 12, 19 and 26, 8:00-9:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 003
Thursdays Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27 8:30-10:00 AM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
This is a four-week virtual program aimed at developing skills and strategies for working effectively across cultural differences. Each session is 90 minutes long and facilitated on Zoom. It offers participants an opportunity to explore the world from home by connecting with peers and colleagues around the world. Additionally, participating in the program will earn you a certificate and PGU credit for MAT and undergraduate students. There are three sessions from which you can choose one that fits your schedule.
PD 732 001
Mondays Feb 3, 10, 17, and 24, 7:00-8:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 002
Wednesdays Feb 5, 12, 19 and 26, 8:00-9:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 003
Thursdays Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27 8:30-10:00 AM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
This is a four-week virtual program aimed at developing skills and strategies for working effectively across cultural differences. Each session is 90 minutes long and facilitated on Zoom. It offers participants an opportunity to explore the world from home by connecting with peers and colleagues around the world. Additionally, participating in the program will earn you a certificate and PGU credit for MAT and undergraduate students. There are three sessions from which you can choose one that fits your schedule.
PD 732 001
Mondays Feb 3, 10, 17, and 24, 7:00-8:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 002
Wednesdays Feb 5, 12, 19 and 26, 8:00-9:30 PM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 732 003
Thursdays Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27 8:30-10:00 AM EST
Location: Online
Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Contact: Ajaya Francis Jonas
Credit: 1.5
PD 378 – Intro MicroBit & Meet Finch Session II
This PGU session will provide a space to explore teaching activities using MicroBit and Finch robots in their classroom. As an extended session of session I (Coding MicroBit) in this session, the participants will be led to code MicroBit with advanced level activity with Finch robot. The facilitator will model how to program the MicroBits to create advanced-level activities. At the end of the PGU session, the facilitator will ask participants to use their classroom learning objectives to brainstorm how MicroBit and Finch robots can be incorporated into instructional activities. This PGU is open to all College of Education students.
Date: Tuesday, March 4th, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: D.H. Hill Library, East Learning Lab B
Audience: All College of Education Students
Contact: Yuru Zhang (yzhan287@ncsu.edu)
Credit: 0.5
NSTA, in coordination with Teaching Fellows, Goodnight Scholars, Transformational Scholars, and NOYCE recipients, will be sending a group of preservice science teachers to the National Conference on Science Education in the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA from March 26-29. At this conference, future science educators will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on workshops, gain invaluable future teaching resources, and knowledge on various instruction methods. Our waitlist is currently full, but if you are interested in attending NCSTA in Winston-Salem in the fall, contact Georgia Alexander at glalexan@ncsu.edu. Thanks!
Date: March 26-29, 2025
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center
Audience: Preservice science teachers
Contact: Georgia Alexander (glalexan@ncsu.edu)
Credit: 1.5
This PGU is open to all College of Education students. Engaging diverse learners is important for teachers to consider when planning classroom activities. This PGU provides cultural products from different places that give future prospective teachers ideas for decorating their classrooms and planning multicultural activities. In this PGU session, attendees will have the opportunity to read multicultural storybooks and explore tangible, unique cultural products such as chopsticks and cultural clothes. Facilitators will guide participants in brainstorming how to integrate these cultural materials in their future classrooms.
Date: Thursday, April 3rd, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: D.H. Hill Library, East Learning Lab B
Audience: All College of Education Students
Contact: Yuru Zhang (yzhan287@ncsu.edu)