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Welcome
 
The Professional Development Unit in the Education Department at WCS offers teacher courses throughout the year online and at all five WCS parks across the city. All courses provide CTLE hours for NYS Teaching Certification, with the option to also take some courses for ASPDP P-Credits from the NYC Department of Education.
PD One Day Courses

Our one-day courses for teachers of grades 3-K-12 help bring a new dimension to your lessons, whether you teach science, math, language arts, or anything in between! Please click here for information about Registration and Payment Policies.

All courses provide CTLE hours for NYS Teaching Certification, with the option to also take courses for A+ or P-Credits from the NYC Department of Education. If choosing this option, participants must register separately with ASPDP, here

If you are you a WCS MEMBER, you can email teacherinfo@wcs.org with a picture or scan of your membership card with the number and expiration date visible to receive a discount code for 20% OFF your courses!


PD Global 2 Local
 

From Mammoths to Mountain Lions: Exploring Genetics, Conservation & Human Impact - In-person at Bronx Zoo
Explore the powerful connection between genetics, ecology, and conservation in this high school teacher PD anchored in the New Visions Living Environment curriculum. Investigate human impact on ecosystems through the lens of the Woolly Mammoth unit and the real-world case of mountain lion conservation in Unit 4: Saving The Mountain Lion. Analyze genetic diversity, interpret authentic data, and discover how zoos support species survival.

Eco-Innovators: Engineering Solutions Where Nature Leads - Online class
Join us on an exciting, professional learning experience for educators who want to inspire the next generation of global citizens and problem-solvers. In this course, you'll explore how conservation and engineering can come together to address real-world environmental challenges. Through engaging case studies, Field Sight videos, and hands-on design challenges, you’ll discover how to help students explore the science behind human–wildlife coexistence, sustainable innovations, and biodiversity protection. 

Biographies in the Biosphere: Real Scientists, Real Science and Real Writing - In-person at Central Park Zoo
Explore the groundbreaking work of real-life scientists —pioneers who’ve dedicated their lives to understanding and protecting wildlife across the globe. Through engaging texts and powerful stories, you’ll uncover how these scientists studied big cats, sharks, gorillas, and more—and use their journeys to model meaningful writing with your students. 

Tools and Technology in Conservation - Online class
Explore the world of cutting-edge conservation science—and learn how to translate it into impactful education programs. In this one-day course designed for zoo and aquarium educators, you’ll dive into real-world case studies highlighting how scientists use tools like GPS tracking, camera traps, and data modeling to protect wildlife and ecosystems. Then, shift from learning to application as you collaborate with peers to revise your own programming—integrating STEM strategies and proven teaching practices to inspire the next generation of conservation-minded learners.

Melting, Moving, Missing: Making Climate Change Visible in Nature-Based Education - Online class
In this workshop, we invite educators to explore how climate change is reshaping the natural world—and how to bring those changes to life for students. Through the lenses of rising temperatures (Melting), shifting species ranges (Moving), and biodiversity loss (Missing), this course connects real-world environmental changes to hands-on, nature-based teaching. Dive into human impacts, renewable energy solutions, and strategies for combating the climate crisis. 

Teaching for Impact: Strengthening Conservation Programming in Conservation - Online class
Designed for international zoo and aquarium educators, this dynamic workshop explores your vital role in conservation and the power of empathy to inspire action. Through engaging case studies, hands-on activities, and peer collaboration, you’ll gain effective strategies to teach conservation concepts and foster emotional connections with wildlife.