Loyola CSME Welcomes K-8 Educators for Introduction to OpenSciEd Professional Learning

Sixteen K-8 science teachers and leaders from districts across the Chicago area gathered at Loyola University Chicago's Lakeshore Campus on August 13-14 for an Introduction to OpenSciEd professional learning session hosted by the Center for Science and Math Education (CSME).

Led by CSME facilitators Sarah Stults, Kayla Cherry, and Julie Jacobi, the two-day session gave educators — many of them brand new to the OpenSciEd curriculum — a hands-on introduction to what teaching OSE actually looks like in the classroom.

What the Session Covered

Participants spent the two days experiencing OpenSciEd's instructional routines firsthand, learning the material the same way their students will. From there, they broke into grade-level groups for a deep dive into each grade's first unit of instruction, examining classroom videos and real student work samples to see the curriculum in action. The session closed with time devoted to planning tools, giving teachers a concrete head start on preparing their own classrooms for the year ahead.

Educators Left Feeling Ready

For most attendees, this was their first exposure to OpenSciEd, and the feedback reflected real momentum heading into the school year. The large majority of participants rated the session highly and said they'd recommend it to a colleague. When asked how prepared they felt to bring OpenSciEd into their classrooms, many answered with an enthusiastic "Let's do this, I'm ready!" — while others said they now have the foundation to make it work, even if there's more to learn.

Educators consistently pointed to the same standout moments: experiencing the curriculum as a "student," working through the material in grade-level teams, and watching real classroom videos paired with student work samples. As one Chicago Public Schools attendee put it: "I really appreciated your pacing, positive attitudes, and thoughtfulness in your responses to our questions. I learned a lot!". Another participant, a science lead from CPS, called it simply: "One of the best CSME professional development workshops!" Others praised the team's expertise and the practical takeaways they could bring straight back to their classrooms and colleagues.

Looking Ahead

Several attendees asked for more of exactly this kind of support — additional check-in sessions throughout the year, deeper unit unpacking, and continued access to the CSME team as they begin implementation. That appetite for more is a strong signal for what's next: CSME plans to offer additional OpenSciEd professional learning sessions throughout the year for K-8 teachers, coaches, and administrators looking to build the same confidence and classroom-ready skills.

Educators interested in future OpenSciEd sessions or other professional learning opportunities through the Center for Science and Math Education can inquire about working with us via email at csme@luc.edu.