Professional Development
Birds Georgia's professional development workshops train PK-12 educators how to teach core concepts in STEM and other subjects through birds, their lives, and their conservation. Teachers receive training using Birds Georgia’s Learning About Birds curriculum, as well as resources from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Council for Environmental Education.
Taking Wing is a 40-hour continuing education opportunity for teachers and other environmental educators. The program includes field investigations led by professional ecologists and ornithologists; instruction on Georgia’s birds and native plants; an introduction to community science projects aimed at birds; and hands-on outdoor learning experiences to take back to the classroom. Through the course of a full academic year, participants will implement the training by developing a bird-related unit or community science project with their students, which participants will share with the group during the final one-day spring workshop. Launched in 2012, 150 educators have been trained, and these teachers reach hundreds of students each year. Program participants consistently report that Taking Wing is not only the best professional development they have attended, but that it is life changing as well.
Taking Wing is a 40-hour continuing education opportunity for teachers and other environmental educators. The program includes field investigations led by professional ecologists and ornithologists; instruction on Georgia’s birds and native plants; an introduction to community science projects aimed at birds; and hands-on outdoor learning experiences to take back to the classroom. Through the course of a full academic year, participants will implement the training by developing a bird-related unit or community science project with their students, which participants will share with the group during the final one-day spring workshop. Launched in 2012, 150 educators have been trained, and these teachers reach hundreds of students each year. Program participants consistently report that Taking Wing is not only the best professional development they have attended, but that it is life changing as well.
summer 2025 taking wing workshop
We are now accepting applications for our immersive summer educator workshop.
Participants receive free room and board (shared room), curriculum materials, resources to take back to the classroom including binoculars, field guides, and books, and up to 40 hours of PLUs.
Follow-up one day workshops in fall and spring extend the learning and allow participants to share ideas.
Preference is given to Title I and other under-resourced schools and to teachers who apply as a team. Admission to the program is offered on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly suggested.
Dates and location:
Download the application form here: Taking Wing 2025 Application Form
Find answers to frequently asked questions here: FAQ
To learn about upcoming professional development workshops, schedule a training for your group, or submit an application, please email Director of Education, Melanie Furr.
Participants receive free room and board (shared room), curriculum materials, resources to take back to the classroom including binoculars, field guides, and books, and up to 40 hours of PLUs.
Follow-up one day workshops in fall and spring extend the learning and allow participants to share ideas.
Preference is given to Title I and other under-resourced schools and to teachers who apply as a team. Admission to the program is offered on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly suggested.
Dates and location:
- June 23-25: Unicoi State Park, Helen, GA
- Follow-up workshops:
- September 20, 2025—Panola Mountain State Park (tentative)
- March 21, 2026—Cubihatcha Outdoor Center, Henry County (tentative)
Download the application form here: Taking Wing 2025 Application Form
Find answers to frequently asked questions here: FAQ
To learn about upcoming professional development workshops, schedule a training for your group, or submit an application, please email Director of Education, Melanie Furr.
