Education
Professional Development FAQ
Is there a teacher discount for admission to the aquarium?
What types of professional development does Shedd offer teachers?
Does Shedd have a brochure or newsletter for educators?
Does Shedd offer any resources I can use in my classroom?
Is there a teacher discount for admission to the aquarium?
We encourage teachers to visit before bringing their students. All teachers are admitted free with proper identification and may use the will-call line instead of the general admission line. Please note: Only teachers are admitted free. Any guests will be required to pay the full admission price.
What types of professional development does Shedd offer teachers?
Shedd Aquarium offers several opportunities. Throughout the summer we offer Teacher Field Experiences, approximately weeklong programs that immerse teachers in the scientific process and team research or field projects. We also host partnered workshops with NOAA, Wilderness Classroom and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) throughout the year. The goal of all our workshops is to increase teachers' knowledge, skills and confidence in teaching aquatic science. Workshops are designed to help educators meet state standards and encourage inquiry and hands-on teaching methods. View teacher professional development opportunities. Workshops range from three hours to a week or longer and can be taken for CPDUs, Lane credit, or graduate credit. To learn more about resources for educators, book one of our teacher in-services for your school.
Does Shedd have a brochure or newsletter for educators?
Yes. Every year we mail educators the Schooling with Shedd brochure, which includes information about our school programs and professional development for educators. Shedd Aquarium’s Fish Tales newsletter is a monthly electronic publication designed exclusively for educators. In addition to highlighting aquarium education programs, resources and collections relevant to teaching and learning, Fish Tales inspires creative aquatic science education in the classroom. From professional development opportunities to the latest Shedd news, Fish Tales has a wealth of information for you. Sign up for Fish Tales.
Does Shedd offer any resources I can use in my classroom?
Shedd has online activity guides with ideas for your classroom. Also check out the Shedd Educational Adventures (SEA) page for more lesson plans, student interactives and fact sheets in English and Spanish.
