Skip to main content

NWESD Partner Profile: Pacific Education Institute (PEI)








At Northwest Educational Service District, we rely on partners for local as well as statewide work. And I wanted to take some time to highlight Pacific Education Institute, one of Washington's science education biggest partners. Please know that if you get an email from PEI or their Field STEM Coordinator, Amy Keiper, the offer is legitimate... it is aligned to regional work... and 9BONUS!) it is often something that is free to districts! ðŸ˜€

Pacific Education Institute (PEI) is a statewide nonprofit based in Olympia, Washington. PEI provides tools, materials and customized professional development for K-12 educators to engage students in outdoor-based STEM learning. Since 2003, PEI has been supporting teachers and school administrators to deliver culturally inclusive, integrated, standards-aligned science education grounded in locally relevant economic and ecological systems, in collaboration with community partners in conservation and natural resources.

PEI is an invaluable partner of NWESD and many districts in Washington State Field Stem and ClimeTime climate science initiatives. They do an absolutely amazing job at connecting students to local place-based contexts for learning environmental science, to local tribal education initiatives, and to local scientists and industry partners to anchor learning close to students' lives. And they work hard to center their work on Washington State's science learning standards and supporting their implementation in classrooms.

PEI's NW FieldSTEM Coordinator Amy Keiper lives in Bellingham and serves educators and community partners in Whatcom, Skagit, northern Snohomish, San Juan and Island counties. If you have any questions about FieldSTEM professional learning; clock hours; [free] consultation opportunities for your school or district;  or if you have a question about a specific project or just want to learn more about PEI's support services, I encourage you to reach out to Amy! She is well-established as a teacher leader in our region and has a wealth of knowledge to help connect you to local resources!

Amy Keiper
Northwest WA FieldSTEM Coordinator
360-927-5016 (cell)
akeiper@pacificeducationinstitute.org
pacificeducationinstitute.org


Popular posts from this blog

FREE PD Opportunity for Grades 3-5 teachers! Islandwood's Community-Centered Climate Action Course

Community-Centered Climate Action Course for 3rd - 5th Grade Teachers IslandWood's FREE Professional Development Course with STEM and Equity Clock Hours Did you know idling cars during school pickup impacts air quality and the environment? Have you ever wondered about the role of trees in relation to air quality? Learn how to use an engineering design focused action project to motivate and empower your students. This Community-Centered Climate Action Course for 3rd - 5th Grade Teachers includes: 8 STEM and 2 Equity clock hours: for four online after-school sessions (January 10th through May 15th) and one Saturday (in-person in Tacoma on January 13th or online on January 20th) An additional 2 STEM and 1 Equity clock hours: for teachers who implement lessons, complete check-ins and reflect on their student's work. Learn more and register on IslandWood's website .
Read more

OSPI Bulletin 065-23: Learning Standards Review Update

Summary:  This bulletin provides an update to the information about the learning standards review project addressed by Superintendent Reykdal’s letter to district superintendents dated February 14, 2023. It includes current information about the reviews of the Washington state learning standards for English/Language Arts, mathematics, and science. It also includes a timeline for the review process. Key Audiences:  Educational Service District Superintendents, School District Superintendents, School District Business Managers, School District Curriculum Directors OSPI's Bulletin re: Math, ELA, Science: [ PDF ] Science Updates: [ PDF ]
Read more

OpenSciEd "Try-Outs" in WA: Introductions to released units and the ability to borrow kits!

Announcing MS teachers: OpenSciEd materials "try-outs" OpenSciEd is a partnership of the NGSS brain-trust folks and several big foundations. They have been developing a complete 6-8 scope and sequence as Open Educational Resources (OERs). NWESD, together with ESD 114 and ESD 112 are supporting people in using these units by providing a "try out" service. With the help of the ClimeTime Climate Science Proviso, NWESD has purchased all of the materials for 5 of the 6 currently-released units and NWESD regional districts will be able to check these out for teachers to use so they can "try out" teaching a unit! Professional Learning First! Teachers must first complete some 6-hours of online introductory classes to qualify to check the materials out ( https://bit.ly/gettingtoknow-openscied ). The "Trying-Out" Second! The check-out itself will be via PO through the Science Materials Center (SMC) with a restock/refurb feel of $185 per unit. Checking-out ...
Read more