Summer Teacher
Professional Development

This summer, Minnesota educators have access to

Hands-on, Career-connected Professional Learning

designed to strengthen classroom instruction while directly connecting students to real-world engineering, manufacturing, and STEM careers.

The Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence is offering

Three High-impact Professional Development Opportunities

for middle school and high school STEM educators. Whether you’re looking to deepen engineering design instruction, connect learning to industry, or explore emerging technologies, there’s an option designed to fit your classroom and goals.

Siemens Engineering Design Teacher Training

For 9–12 grade educators (CTE, engineering, physics, STEM, and related fields)

What:
A 5-day, immersive, in-person professional development experience focused on implementing the Siemens Engineering Design curriculum. Educators engage in hands-on engineering design challenges, explore project- and program-based instructional strategies, and work with industry-aligned tools and resources.

When: June 22–26
Where: Shakopee, MN
Cost: $400

Included with registration:

• A 3D printer for classroom use
• Siemens Engineering Design curriculum access
• Master teacher–led professional development
• CAD software and instructional resources
• On-site facilitation and instructional support

Funded in part by Minnesota Perkins.

Program Details & Registration

Trades in Every Classroom – Educator Externships

For 6–12 grade educators in any STEM-relevant subject area

What:
A cohort-based externship program that gives educators a behind-the-scenes look at today’s workplaces—so you can connect classroom learning to real careers, tools, and industry practices. The experience is designed to make instruction more relevant, engaging, and career-connected for students.

When: Summer 2026, with monthly cohort meetings during the academic year
Where: Statewide (in-person PD location TBD)
Cost: Free + $2,000 stipend

Application Deadline: March 2 (priority consideration)

Funded in part by a Minnesota STEM Ecosystem Partnership Grant.

Program Details & Application

Microelectronics Mini-Externships & Curriculum Training

For secondary educators in engineering, manufacturing, electronics, physics, math, computer science, mechatronics, or automation

What:
A pilot professional learning experience combining hands-on curriculum training, a short industry mini-externship, and guided planning support. Educators gain confidence teaching microelectronics, semiconductor, and advanced manufacturing concepts using a turnkey, classroom-ready curriculum.

When:
Curriculum Training: August 3–7
Mini-Externship: 2 days (dates vary)

Where: Statewide; curriculum training in the metro area
Cost: Free + $750 stipend

Application Deadline: March 2 (priority consideration)

Funded in part by a Minnesota STEM Ecosystem Partnership Grant.

Program Details & Application

Additional Opportunities

From Minnesota State Centers of Excellence & Program Partners

In addition to Engineering Center of Excellence programs, Minnesota educators have access to a wide range of high-quality, industry-connected professional development offered through other Minnesota State Centers of Excellence and trusted program partners.

Agriculture, Robotics, Automation & Technology (ARAT) Project

Organized by: AgCentric & CASE (Minnesota State Northern Agricultural Center of Excellence)

Who: All educators
What: NSF-funded professional development focused on agricultural robotics and automation, with curriculum spanning animal, plant, and food systems and a flexible, open-ended design project.
When: June 22–26, 2026
Where: St. Cloud Technical & Community College
Cost: NSF-funded (refundable $500 hold fee)

Program Website

Small Gas Engine (SGE) BriefCASE

Organized by: Minnesota State Southern Agriculture Center of Excellence

Who: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources high school teachers
What: Hands-on training using small gas engines to teach mechanical systems, troubleshooting, teardown/assembly, documentation, and service manuals.
When: June 16–18, 2026
Where: Owatonna High School
Cost: $1,000

Program Website

Midwest Teachers of Transportation & Industrial Areas (MTTIA) Conference

Sponsored by: Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence

Who: Secondary & postsecondary instructors
What: Regional conference offering hands-on technical training in automotive, auto body, diesel, and heavy truck technologies, plus networking and industry trade show.
When: August 3–6, 2026
Where: Central Lakes College

Program Website

Regional Teacher Externships (SCSC / SSC)

Offered by: South Central and Southeast Minnesota Service Cooperatives

Who: K–12 educators across all content areas teaching in select south-central and southeast Minnesota counties
What: Paid educator externships that place teachers inside local workplaces to strengthen career connections and develop classroom lessons aligned to real-world careers.
When:
Spring 2026: 1-hour virtual orientation
Summer 2026: 32 hours of industry immersion + 1-day lesson development session

Compensation: $1,250 stipend upon completion

Educators may identify their own industry partner or receive placement support through their local service cooperative.

Program Website

St. Cloud State University Summer CTE Courses

Offered by: St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University is offering several summer courses that may be of interest to educators across engineering, manufacturing, transportation, communications, and CTE pathways. Courses are available for credit (and in some cases non-credit) and focus on hands-on skills, curriculum development, and licensure support.

Engineering & Applied Manufacturing

• ACE Net CNC Training – CNC machining training using HAAS equipment with classroom-ready curriculum and supplies.
• Teaching CADD (Autodesk Inventor) – Core CAD skills for engineering and manufacturing design, including parts, assemblies, and drawings.
• Mobile Lab Equipment & Curriculum – Hands-on use of engineering/manufacturing lab equipment paired with standards-aligned curriculum development.
• Manufacturing for CTE – Manufacturing-focused coursework supporting applied manufacturing instruction and CTE licensure.
• Tours for Tech Ed & CTE – Manufacturing facility tours and industry conversations to strengthen real-world classroom connections.

Additional Summer Courses Available

• Transportation / Energy for Teachers – Exploration of transportation and energy systems, power, and energy conversion with curriculum development.
• Communications for Teachers – Hands-on exploration of communications technologies and related career pathways.
• Construction for CTE – Construction-focused coursework supporting CTE licensure pathways.
• Transportation for CTE – Transportation systems coursework aligned to CTE licensure.
• Communications for CTE – Communications pathway coursework aligned to CTE licensure.
• Portfolio for Graduate Work & CTE License – Guided support for developing and submitting CTE and master’s portfolios.
• Foundations of Work-Based Learning – Coursework focused on designing and implementing effective work-based learning experiences.

These courses may complement educator professional development focused on engineering design, applied manufacturing, workforce readiness, and CTE licensure, depending on individual program goals.

For registration and more details, contact Kurt Helgeson – krhelgeson@stcloudstate.edu.