Solar Energy Professional Development and Training for Teachers

Features trainings for teachers to acquire hands-on, real-world proficiency in the solar industry—a background they can use to introduce their students to renewable energy.

• NREL Energy Institute for Teachers: NREL's Visiting Faculty Program and Energy Institute for Teachers promote excellence in teaching and contribute to improving critical elements of the science, mathematics, and technology education system. Lessons and resources are provided to middle school and high school educators to integrate renewable energy components into existing courses. READ MORE →
• NEED Local/Regional Energy Education Workshops: NEED provides over 600 energy education workshops to teachers and students throughout the school year. NEED K-12 workshops are designed to help educators implement energy programs in their classrooms while developing student knowledge and leadership skills. Many solar installers partner with NEED for teacher professional development at schools where they install. NEED also provides professional development workshops to school districts, energy companies, and other training organizations upon request. READ MORE →
• NEED Regional/National Conferences and Special Events: NEED hosts an annual summer institute for educators interested in multi-day professional development, energy field trips, and specialized energy training. NEED also offers conferences for school energy managers, school facilities personnel, and architects. READ MORE →
• Solar Ambassador Program: Designed for high school and college students, this program through RE-volv trains volunteer college students and community members to help local nonprofits go solar. Become a Solar Ambassador Fellow today and receive the tools, training, and support to make your community’s solar dreams a reality while building your resume, gaining college credit, and advancing clean energy. READ MORE →
• Introduction to Renewable Energy: Free, online introductory course to renewable energy from Solar Power International. RE100 is a great introduction for those new to the field, those who are looking to make a career change, or those who just want to learn more about energy from the sun, wind, and water, energy efficiency, and the basics of electricity. READ MORE →
• Online Course: MSU National Teachers Enhancement Network - Physics of Renewable Energy for Secondary Teachers: This course is intended to provide secondary physics teachers with a connection between topics in renewable energy sources to Next Generation Science Standards in physics. The goal of the course is to improve their pedagogical knowledge related to teaching the physics associated with renewable energy sources. Students will focus on developing classroom materials related to the subject. READ MORE →