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Illinois Geographic Alliance, LLC

Illinois Geographic Alliance Summer Geo-Inquiry Workshops for Middle School Teachers

Do you believe in empowering students to think like explorers? In building geographic competency across disciplines? In inspiring students to be global thinkers who can change the world? If so, you’re in good company here.

The Illinois Geographic Alliance (IGA), in partnership with the Geographic Society of Chicago and the Geographic Alliance of Iowa, is pleased to announce three Exploring the Geo-Inquiry Process summer workshops for educators. These 2-day workshops seek to inspire educators to teach students about the world in innovative and interdisciplinary ways. The experience will provide participants with professional recognition and development; connections and community with like-minded educators; and relationships, resources, and perks with National Geographic.

The Geo-Inquiry Process relies on using a geographic perspective, offering a unique lens to analyze space, place, and the interconnections between both the human and natural world. Using both a geographic perspective and the Geo-Inquiry Process students begin to connect complex components, see patterns, and make connections that change their communities.

Participating teachers will receive a $150 stipend for successful completion of the workshop. In addition, Professional Development hours (formerly referred to as CPDUs) will be provided for Illinois K-12 in-service teachers who participate in the entire workshop.

Workshop priority will be given to middle school social studies teachers, middle school science teachers, and middle school teacher librarians/media specialists. However, elementary, high school, and other educators are encouraged to apply and will be invited to attend as space permits.

Three workshops will be offered in Summer 2018:

  • June 14-15, 2018: Geo-Inquiry Workshop in the Quad Cities, Illinois and Iowa (co-facilitated by the Illinois Geographic Alliance and the Geographic Alliance of Iowa)
  • June 18-19, 2018: Geo-Inquiry Workshop at Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois (co-facilitated by the Illinois Geographic Alliance and the Geographic Society of Chicago)
  • July 23-24, 2018: Geo-Inquiry Workshop at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, Illinois (co-facilitated by the Illinois Geographic Alliance and the Geographic Society of Chicago)

Thanks to a grant from the National Geographic Society Education Foundation, there is no fee to participate in these workshops; however, space is limited.