Teacher Professional Learning
After-School Professional Development Program “P” In‑Service Course/NYC Public Schools
What Did a Plant Ever Do for You?
3 “P” Credit Course*
Are you interested in learning about the fascinating world of plants? Explore the beautiful gardens and collections at Brooklyn Botanic Garden and gain an understanding of the value of plants in natural and human history. Through an inquiry-based approach, we will discover how plants are built, how they work, and how they interact with the living and nonliving components of the diverse environments they inhabit. Emphasis is placed on experiential, authentic learning that participants can readily bring back to their classrooms.
In-person classes run 4–6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. An additional 15 hours of asynchronous work will be assigned. Fee includes curriculum materials and resources, plants and potting-up supplies, and access to the Garden.
Pre-K–12 Teachers
Fee: $250
Date: 12 in-person sessions; February 26–May 21, 2025 (no class on April 16)
Registration opens January 3, 2025. There is a 4.5% registration fee for all courses.
For questions, please contact us at [email protected].
*3 “P” credits available for an additional $125 fee through the After School Professional Development Program. You must register both for the class through BBG and for the credit through ASPDP.
Register with ASPDP to receive “P” credits
Seasonal Scholarships Available—The City Gardens Club of New York City
Customized Professional Learning Workshops
Are you interested in developing a program tailored to support your staff’s professional goals or helping educators learn how to integrate plants and the beautiful collections of the Garden to support student learning?
Contact the Garden to explore the suggested workshop topics below or collaborate to create your own unique experience!
- Kitchen Botany: Plants We Eat
- Trees and Plants of Little Caribbean
- Nature for Early Learners
- Exploring Plant Adaptations
- Sensory Learning in the Garden
- Exploring Native Plant Communities
- Food and Social Justice
- Agriculture and our Food System
- Urban Environmental Sustainability
To arrange a customized workshop, please complete the Professional Development Workshop Request Form and we will contact you within 3–5 business days.
Request a Professional Development Workshop
For more information, contact us at [email protected].
Learning Standards
This course will address Danielson Criteria (2a, 3b, 3c), the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education framework, and the following aspects of the Next Generation Science and ELA Standards:
Next Generation Science Standards
Disciplinary Core Ideas:
LS1A Structure and Function
LS2A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS4C: Adaptation
Cross-Cutting Concepts:
Patterns
Cause and Effect
Structure and Function
Stability and Change
Science and Engineering Practices:
Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Developing and Using Models
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
New York State Next Generation ELA Anchor Standards
W4: Develop personal, cultural, textual, and thematic connections within and across genres through written responses to texts and personal experiences.
W5: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
R7: Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats.
SL1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively and build on those of others.