Are you a K-12 Educator?
Earn 35 Free PD hours or 2 Free Semester Hours from Dominican University at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
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Apply for Teaching Safari and make Brookfield Zoo Chicago a part of your professional learning journey!

Teaching Safari welcomes K-12 educators in all subject areas to explore nature, animals and conservation at Brookfield Zoo Chicago as they practice inquiry-based, student-centered teaching strategies to support learning across subject areas. Discover the Zoo as a world leader in animal welfare and conservation and as a learning resource for your students!

The Teaching Safari journey includes four full-day, onsite sessions at the Zoo and two 1–2-hour virtual sessions. Participants engage in ongoing reflection on professional growth and apply strategies to make learning come alive in their classrooms.Teaching Safari content is informed by Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Common Core State Standards (CCSS), and the Danielson Framework. 
 

   Click Here to Learn More and ApplY     

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• Applications for our Summer 2026 Teaching Safari will open on January 28, 2026 and will close by March 11, 2026.
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• Special consideration is given to teachers from CPS and Title I Schools. We encourage applicants to register with 1-3 other teachers from their school to support collaboration and professional learning communities. 
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Teaching Safari program is presented by Brookfield Zoo Chicago to support educators in teaching Science and Conservation Leadership. Conservation Leadership encompasses not only an understanding of animals and ecosystems, but empathy, joy, and appreciation for the natural world shared in a spirit of equity and stewardship. We look forward to taking this safari with you!

Brookfield Zoo Chicago Teacher Network members will receive a 20% discount on Web+ Classes in the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) Master's Program. AIP is a master's degree program offered by Brookfield Zoo Chicago in partnership with Miami University, Ohio. The AIP Master's degree program focuses on education, sustainability, and local conservation actions. For more information, contact Agnes.Kovacs@brookfieldzoo.org.

*IEIN number, documentation of attendance at all sessions per Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) guidelines, and completion of reflections/lesson plans per rubric are required for professional development hours or semester hour credit. Certificate, zoo passes, and network benefits will be awarded upon completion of all program requirements. 
 

Graduate credit provided by: 


Have questions?
Please contact Patsy Steinmeyer at EdK12@brookfieldzoo.org