Application Deadline: Great Lakes Watershed Field Course – Inland Seas Education Association

The 8th annual Great Lakes Watershed Field Course (GLWFC) is a free professional development opportunity for teachers in the Great Lakes region, led by Inland Seas Education Association. This opportunity includes an in-person workshop from August 4-7, 2026 in Suttons Bay, MI and ongoing support during the 2026-27 school year as you facilitate a student-led environmental civic-action project in their classroom. Training in the course includes watershed and environmental concepts, place-based education and environmental education pedagogy, and time for curriculum development. 

• What: Yearlong professional learning experience for educators, starting with a four-day in-person workshop
• Who: Formal and non-formal educators who teach in the Great Lakes region
• When: August 4-7, 2026
• Where: Suttons Bay, MI
• How: No cost to participate (lodging in dorms and meals are included). Apply here by 5:00 p.m. EDT on April 13, 2026.

The GLWFC is open to formal and non-formal educators who teach in the Great Lakes region. Teachers in all subject areas and grade levels are welcome, but participants are required to facilitate the implementation of a watershed-focused action project with a group of students. Michigan teachers can earn up to 30 SCECHs for full program participation. Inland Seas will support teachers throughout the 2026-27 school year with virtual forums and discussions, mini grants to implement your project, and a scholarship to bring your students to Suttons Bay for a Schoolship program.

Past participants shared: 

• “The PD gave me concrete tools to use in the classroom and connected me with other teachers that shared great ideas. It gave me inspiration and a method for helping students solve problems.”
• “Exceptional quality learning experience. I haven’t had something this engaging in my educational career since graduate school ended in 2003.”

There is no cost for this experience (lodging in our dorms and meals are included), but space is limited to 30 participants. Interested educators can learn more and apply at schoolship.org/glwfc. Please reach out to Julie Johnson at JJohnson@schoolship.org if you have any questions. Applications are due April 13, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. EDT.