MDC to host free training for kindergarten teachers Oct. 17 and Nov. 14 in Kirksville

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites kindergarten teachers to attend free teacher workshops that will focus on MDC’s new curriculum, Kindergarten: Bears Through the Season.

There are currently two workshops scheduled with more dates to be set in the future. The first workshop will be Oct. 17 from 9am. - 1 p.m. at MDC’s Northeast Regional office. The second workshop will also be held at MDC’s Northeast Regional office on Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Kindergarten: Bears through the Season is a brand-new curriculum produced by MDC that is aligned to all kindergarten Missouri Learning Science (MLS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) including the four components of Earth and Space Science, Physical Science, Life Science and Engineering and Technology Science.  

This curriculum follows the four seasons with four seasonal units and 23 lessons. All lessons are wrapped under the anchoring phenomena of Missouri black bears and their habitat. All lessons use the 5E instruction model beginning with Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate.

These teacher trainings will introduce teachers to the free student guide and teacher guide as well as the MDC Teacher Portal and other resources. The MDC staff will prepare teachers on how to instruct the lessons both indoors and outdoors. Participating teachers become certified to receive the DNS Kindergarten Teacher Kit and funding to transport students on their field experience outside of school grounds.  

To register for either event, go to the MDC teacher portal at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4cg and create an account. From there, search for the event. Also, please pack a lunch for the day of the event as food will not be provided.

MDC’s Northeast Regional office is located at 3500 S. Baltimore St. in Kirksville. This office is located on the south edge of Kirksville on Highway 63 south, across from the Days Inn Motel.