Learn how to engage students in local environmental issues, investigate solutions, partner with stakeholders, and take action! The 2026 Great Lakes Watershed Field Course (GLWFC) is a free professional development opportunity for teachers in the Great Lakes region led by Inland Seas Education Association. This opportunity includes an in-person workshop from August 4–7, 2026 in Suttons Bay, MI, and ongoing support during the 2026–2027 school year as you facilitate an environmental action project with your students. The workshop in Suttons Bay takes place on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan in picturesque Leelanau County—come make the Great Lakes your classroom this summer! 

Workshop training topics include watershed and environmental concepts, place-based education pedagogy, and student-led environmental action civics. Inland Seas will support teachers throughout the 2026–2027 school year with virtual forums and discussions, mini grants to implement your project, and a scholarship to bring your students to Suttons Bay for a Schoolship program.

Past participants shared: 

• "One of the best PDs I have attended."
• "The PD gave me concrete tools to use in the classroom and connected me with other teachers that shared great ideas. It gave me inspiration and a method for helping students solve problems."
• "Exceptional quality learning experience. I haven't had something this engaging in my educational career since graduate school that ended in 2003."
• “I’m grateful for the excellence of the program facilitators! I regularly encourage science teachers to get involved with ISEA.”
• “I loved how the program was designed and executed. It was formative in my STEAM teaching, and I have since been working the lessons I learned there into my English and Civics classes. Thank you!”
• “Because I did GLWFC I can elevate my students, who feel elevated by the community, and we raise awareness in a really big way for the community as a whole.”

The GLWFC is open to all formal and non-formal teachers in the Great Lakes region. Michigan teachers can earn up to 30 SCECHs for full program participation. 

There is no cost for this experience, but space is limited to 30 participants. Interested educators can learn more and apply at the Great Lakes Watershed Field Course webpage. The deadline for applications is April 13, 2026 by 5:00 PM (EST). Please reach out to Julie Johnson at JJohnson@schoolship.org if you have any questions.