professional development
The National Wildlife Federation offers formal and non-formal educators both virtual and in-person professional development/professional learning (PD/PL) opportunities and support focused on the RiSC curriculum, learning resources, and programming. Continuing Education Credits and stipends may be available and are determined on a case-by-case basis. Below is a list of upcoming RiSC PD/PL offerings.
Join WCS's inaugural 5-day Climate Institute, July 20–24—an energizing summer experience designed for educators ready to bring climate solutions into their classrooms. Through hands-on learning and collaboration, you’ll connect with a vibrant network of local partners and fellow teachers leading climate and environmental action across New York City. This program spotlights community-based organizations, including NYCPS Sustainability partners, giving you direct access to the inspiring work happening in neighborhoods throughout the city. Walk away with practical, interdisciplinary tools and lasting partnerships to make climate learning real and relevant for students.
NWF session: July 21, 2026, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Come and explore the new Resilient Schools and Communities (RiSC) curriculum during an in-person Professional Learning Day at the New York Aquarium. We'll introduce educators to the new curriculum, explore nature-based solutions, and share placed-based programming opportunities for educators and students.
More information and registration here.
Price: $250 (20% off for WCS members and groups); includes programming experiences onsite & offsite
Course is eligible for: 33 CTLE hours
Join WCS's 45 hour P-credit course exploring Urban Ecology and Urban Planning, Monday, August 17- Saturday, August 22, 2026, 8:00am - 4:30pm each day. Through this course educators will dig into the historical design and long-lasting impacts of urban planning within New York City, examine urban development decisions from colonial to modern times and discuss the equity issues that can arise from urban planning and decision making. In addition to classroom and aquarium grounds explorations covering topics including woodlands ecosystem ecology, water cycles, carbon cycles, and species adaptation to urbanization, one full day of the course will be a walking and learning tour of Lower Manhattan.
Part of an afternoon will be spent on site at Coney Island Creek Park with the RiSC program.
NWF session: August 20, 2026, 3:00pm-4:00pm
Come and learn about NWF's Resilient Schools and Communities (RiSC) habitat restoration initiative at Coney Island Creek Park during an in-person Professional Learning Day on site. We'll introduce educators to the ecology of the estuary, the climate impacts that the area is facing, and the nature-based solutions being implemented by students, teachers, and community volunteers at the site to combat erosion, sand migration and coastal flooding.
More information and registration here.
Price: $250
45 CTLE Hours & 3 P-Credits or A+ Credits available.
NYC teachers interested in earning "P" or A+ credits for one of the multi-day courses, must register with WCS and then also visit the ASPDP website.
