Professional Learning Opportunities

Summer Teacher Institute

Every year, we host a series of Summer Teacher Institutes open to teachers of all disciplines, locations, and grade levels (K-12). Our 2025 institutes take place June 23 through 27, and August 4 through 8.

This five-day professional development opportunity includes field trips, guest speakers, and research opportunities, plus space and time to develop classroom materials, which will then be shared with a broad network of educators. Previous Institutes have included workshops and presentations from Eastern State staff and teacher advisors; discussions with leaders in the field, including justice-impacted people; and a tour of an active prison.

Participating teachers receive a $700 stipend, Act 48 credit (if teaching in Pennsylvania), and a virtual or in-person field trip to Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site for their class. Participating teachers commit to:

• Attending the entire Summer Teacher Institute and all field trips
• Implementing the project they develop within one year
• Sharing their materials with Eastern State
• Teaching one professional development workshop for classroom teachers within one year
• Bringing their students on a virtual or in-person field trip to Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site within one year

This program is a great fit for you if you:

• Are interested in developing classroom materials about the history and present-day impact of incarceration
• Thrive in collaborative, creative environments and hope to develop working relationships with fellow teachers
• Believe in the power of education as a tool to inspire a more just future
• Want to equip yourself with the resources necessary to convene complex conversations about the justice system, its impact, and how we, as citizens, can contribute to positive, systemic change

While this opportunity is rooted in social studies content, we encourage teachers of all disciplines, locations, and grade levels to apply. The content at Eastern State is flexible and relevant to English, math, science, and art classes.

Please note: Applications for our 2025 Summer Teacher Institutes are now closed. To receive email updates about our 2026 Institutes and other exciting opportunities for educators, be sure to sign up for our Educator Opportunities email list:

Teachbacks

Professional development for teachers, by teachers

Are you interested in exploring the history and present-day impact of incarceration with your classroom? Do you want to equip yourself with the resources necessary to convene complex conversations about the justice system and its impact? Engage with fellow educators at our Teachbacks — professional development opportunities made for teachers, led by teachers. Each Teachback features a presentation by a special guest speaker, an activity led by an Eastern State educator, and a classroom lesson discussion facilitated by educators who participated in our Summer Teacher Institute.

Teachbacks are designed for educators of all subjects who want to engage students in meaningful discussions about justice. Participating educators leave with practical resources and strategies to incorporate these important topics into their teaching. All participants receive copies of teaching materials developed by educators who participated in our Summer Teacher Institute. Pennsylvania-based teachers also receive Act 48 credit.

Please note: Our 2025 Teachbacks have now concluded. To receive email updates about our 2026 Teachback schedule and other exciting opportunities for educators, be sure to sign up for our Educator Opportunities email list: