K-12 Network
K-12 Workshops
K-12 Workshops

STEM Workshops in Illinois for K-12 Educators

There are 14 upcoming workshops from 4 organizers in STEM in Illinois. The next is Foundations of NGSS on Dec 1 in Chicago, IL. 6 are free, and the most common topic is STEM.

Updated October 25, 2026

Browse upcoming in-person STEM workshops across Illinois, from Salem, Chicago, Edwardsville and Marion. Sessions for teachers and students, hosted by 4 organizers. Register directly with each organizer.

Upcoming STEM workshops in Illinois

Teachers collaborating at a science education workshopSTEMFor teachers
Tue · Dec 18:00 AM–4:00 PM CT· Chicago, IL

Foundations of NGSS

A two-day, in-person course at Griffin MSI (December 1–2, 2026) for educators who want a strong foundation in NGSS-aligned science teaching. Participants unpack what the standards ask of students, experience three-dimensional instruction in action, analyze curriculum coherence, and learn to plan lessons that support meaningful sense-making. Designed for K–8 science teachers, curriculum specialists and administrators; completion is required before enrolling in Planning for Success with the NGSS. Lunch and parking included; free registration for applicants from Priority Schools and current SLI School Partners.

MS
$750 (free for Priority Schools and SLI School Partners)
View details →
Teachers collaborating at a science education workshopSTEMFor teachers
Tue · Feb 9, 20278:00 AM–4:00 PM CT· Chicago, IL

Foundations of NGSS

A two-day, in-person course at Griffin MSI (February 9–10, 2027) for educators who want a strong foundation in NGSS-aligned science teaching. Participants unpack what the standards ask of students, experience three-dimensional instruction in action, analyze curriculum coherence, and learn to plan lessons that support meaningful sense-making. Designed for K–8 science teachers, curriculum specialists and administrators; completion is required before enrolling in Planning for Success with the NGSS. Lunch and parking included; free registration for applicants from Priority Schools and current SLI School Partners. Registration opens roughly three months before the workshop.

MS
$750 (free for Priority Schools and SLI School Partners)
View details →
Teachers collaborating at a math education workshopSTEMFor teachers
Tue · Oct 27–289:00 AM–3:00 PM CT· Mount Prospect, IL

Get Up, Get Thinking: A Hands-On Dive into Building Thinking Classrooms

Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) is an evidence-based, high-impact framework developed by Dr. Peter Liljedahl to create more engaging, student-centered learning. BTC shifts the cognitive load to students, encouraging them to think deeply, collaborate effectively and take ownership of their learning — a natural complement to the Danielson Framework and Culturally Responsive Teaching. Join Sharon Sheehan for a two-day, in-person deep dive (October 27–28, 2026) into the 4 toolkits, 14 practices and facilitator moves that define BTC. For paraprofessionals, educators and administrators, grades 3–12. 12 PD hours; registration open through October 19, 2026.

NC
$500
View details →
Educators at an in-person professional learning workshopSTEMFor teachers
Mon · Nov 29:00 AM–3:00 PM CT· Salem, IL

Work Smarter, Grade Better: The Ultimate Middle and High School Math Survival Guide

A practical workshop from classroom teachers on reducing daily prep and grading workload in middle and high school math while boosting student engagement and ownership — including practical uses of AI — and designing reliable grading and feedback systems that reflect student mastery. Lunch on your own. Presented by Keenan Clark and Jake Towers.

R3
Free for members · $150 non-members
View details →
Educators at an in-person professional learning workshopSTEMFor teachers
Wed · Nov 189:00 AM–2:30 PM CT· Salem, IL

3D Printing

A hands-on workshop for educators of every grade and subject: Tinkercad design, preparing models, operating and troubleshooting printers, tools and materials, and printer selection, plus practical classroom applications and lesson ideas. Participants design and take home their own Tinkercad project. Bring a laptop with software-installation permission. 5 PD hours; lunch on your own. Presented by Emily Flach, LTC.

R3
Free
View details →
Educators at an in-person professional learning workshopSTEMFor teachers
Wed · Feb 312:00 PM–3:00 PM CT· Salem, IL

Coding with Ozobots: A Hands-on Workshop for Educators

Learn how Ozobot Evo robots work and how to program them — screen-free with Color Code markers or online with Ozobot Blockly and Python — and how to use them to teach sequencing, loops and conditionals across the curriculum. Bring a laptop. ROE 13 notes there may be a fee for the cost of the Ozobots, depending on grant approval. 3 PD hours. Presented by Emily Flach, LTC.

R3
Price: see organizer
View details →
Educators at an in-person professional learning workshopSTEMFor teachers
Mon · Feb 229:00 AM–2:30 PM CT· Salem, IL

Make with Micro-Bit: Bring Coding and AI to Life in Any Subject

Discover the micro:bit pocket-sized computer and Microsoft MakeCode, weaving computer science into any subject through hands-on maker projects and block-based coding, then train a machine learning model with micro:bit CreateAI. No coding experience needed; leave with ready-to-use lessons. Bring a laptop or Chromebook. 5 PD hours; lunch on your own. Presented by Emily Flach, LTC.

R3
Price: see organizer
View details →
Students and teachers exploring a hands-on STEM activitySTEMFor teachers
Fri · Oct 3012:30 PM–3:30 PM CT· Joliet, IL

Don’t Add, Blend! Infuse CS and Literacy into What You Already Teach!

Integrating computer science concepts and digital literacy into the curriculum shouldn’t feel like adding “one more thing” to an already packed school day. This interactive session equips K-12 educators with practical strategies to seamlessly blend Digital Citizenship, Digital Literacy, and Computer Science (CS) concepts into daily instruction. Leave with a cross-curricular plan, resources, and a framework for fostering digital literacy across all grade levels. Participants earn 3 PD hours. Presented by the Learning Technology Center (LTC), Illinois' statewide educational technology agency. Register directly with LTC.

LT
$25
View details →
Students and teachers exploring a hands-on STEM activitySTEMFor teachers
Tue · Nov 178:30 AM–2:30 PM CT· Mt. Sterling, IL

STEM Cohort

In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore real-world career contexts through Learning Blade missions and interactive lessons. Attendees will also experience micro:bit learning from a student's perspective and walk away with lessons for classroom integration. The session also features peer-led discussions on best practices and dedicated networking time for educators to share how they are using these tools in their own classrooms. Participants earn 5.5 PD hours. Presented by the Learning Technology Center (LTC), Illinois' statewide educational technology agency. Register directly with LTC.

LT
Free
View details →
Students and teachers exploring a hands-on STEM activitySTEMFor teachers
Wed · Nov 189:00 AM–2:30 PM CT· Salem, IL

Get Your Print On: 3D Printing for Beginners

Bring 3D printing to life for your students! This hands-on breakout session breaks down the technical jargon to guide you through designing, preparing, and managing 3D projects across all grade levels. You'll explore Tinkercad basics, discover practical classroom applications, and leave with a complete digital design of your own.Through this interactive experience, you'll gain the confidence to dive into the world of 3D printing with your students. Don't have a printer yet? No problem! We will also cover different hardware options and brands, and provide you with actionable strategies on how t. Participants earn 4.5 PD hours. Presented by the Learning Technology Center (LTC), Illinois' statewide educational technology agency. Register directly with LTC.

LT
Free
View details →
Students and teachers exploring a hands-on STEM activitySTEMFor teachers
Tue · Dec 89:00 AM–2:30 PM CT· Edwardsville, IL

Ready, Set, Roll! Intro to Sphero & Screen Free Coding

Join us for an interactive, hands-on workshop where educators will learn core programming concepts using tactile, screen-free Sphero Indi robots. Through color-coded paths, physical puzzle tiles, and creative mazes, kids discover how robots "think" while developing real computational logic—no tablets or computer screens required. Participants will collaborate on a STEM engineering challenge and have dedicated time to share ideas. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the workshop beginning at 9 a.m. Participants earn 5 PD hours. Presented by the Learning Technology Center (LTC), Illinois' statewide educational technology agency. Register directly with LTC.

LT
Free
View details →
Students and teachers exploring a hands-on STEM activitySTEMFor teachers
Wed · Jan 139:00 AM–11:30 AM CT· Marion, IL

What’s New and Next in the World of Ozobot: Explore AI and Meet Ari

Let's explore Ozobot’s newest updates! In this hands-on session, discover how to teach foundational AI principles and digital literacy through Ozobot's new AI lessons, and get an exclusive sneak peek at Ari, their highly anticipated new interactive touchscreen robot. This workshop is built for all experience levels: seasoned users can connect to share classroom strategies, while those new to Ozobot can easily master the essentials—from screen-free color markers to online programming. Bring your laptop, Ozobots (if you have them), and get ready to experience the exciting, evolving world of Ozobot! Session co-presented with Nathan Hack from Ozobot. Participants earn 2.5 PD hours. Presented by Emily Flach, Regional Educational Technology Coordinator, South, Learning Technology Center.

LT
$20
View details →
Students and teachers exploring a hands-on STEM activitySTEMFor teachers
Wed · Jan 1312:30 PM–3:00 PM CT· Marion, IL

Next Steps with Sphero Bolt+: Integrating AI Lessons

Join us for this follow-up workshop designed to advance your Sphero Bolt+ implementation and introduce critical AI literacy skills to your curriculum. Please remember to bring your classroom kit of 12 Sphero Bolt+ robots with you. In this collaborative session, you will connect with fellow educators to share classroom successes, exchange best practices, and explore Sphero’s new AI lesson collection. Through hands-on activities, you will learn how to leverage your robot fleet to teach foundational artificial intelligence concepts, leaving with ready-to-use strategies that prepare your students for the future of technology. Participants earn 2.5 PD hours. Presented by Emily Flach, Regional Educational Technology Coordinator, South, Learning Technology Center.

LT
$20
View details →
Students and teachers exploring a hands-on STEM activitySTEMFor teachers
Thu · Mar 119:00 AM–1:15 PM CT· Edwardsville, IL

STEM Connects

Join us for STEM Connects, designed specifically for PreK-8 educators, instructional coaches, and curriculum leaders. This event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a collaborative learning environment focused on enhancing STEM education. Participants will share insights and strategies to support effective teaching in science, math, and integrated STEM experiences. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities with fellow educators and engaging in breakout sessions covering a variety of STEM topics. This is an excellent chance to expand your knowledge and discover new methods to inspire your students. STEM Connects is hosted by the Learning Technology Center (LTC) in collaboration with the Center for STEM Research, Education, & Outreach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), the Illinois Math & Science Academy (IMSA), Regional Office of Education #40, and Regional Office of Education #41. Be part of a community dedicated to fostering strong STEM teaching and learning. Your participation is valuable as we work together to shape the future of education in these critical fields. Participants earn 4 PD hours. Presented by Lisa Schwartz, Regional Educational Technology Coordinator, West Central, Learning Technology Center.

LT
Free
View details →

STEM workshops in other states

Other workshop categories in Illinois

Browse Illinois by audience

Browse every category

Frequently asked questions

Are these workshops free?
5 of the 14 upcoming STEM workshops in Illinois listed here are free to attend. The rest are paid, and the price for each session is shown on its listing — from single-session workshops to multi-day institutes.
How do I register?
Registration is handled by the organizer, not by K-12 Workshops. Open any listing and use the registration link to book your place directly on the organizer's own site.
Who can attend?
These are professional development sessions for K-12 teachers, instructional coaches and school leaders. Each listing shows the grade band it is designed for.
When is the next workshop?
Foundations of NGSS, on Dec 1 in Chicago, IL, followed by Foundations of NGSS on Feb 9.
Where are they held?
Upcoming STEM workshops in Illinois are in Salem, IL, Chicago, IL, Edwardsville, IL, Marion, IL and Joliet, IL. This page updates automatically as workshops are added or pass.