Below you will find high quality professional learning opportunities which braid various techniques, routines, and ways of thinking into STEM instruction. You might also find professional learning opportunities to embed systems thinking into the work you do from teaching in a classroom to leading from the C-suite and everything in between. Take advantage of one of these upcoming learning opportunities today!

Interested in hiring braided STEM to provide a professional learning opportunity to your educators or professionals?

Learn more about how to hire DaNel Hogan!

Friends of Cave Creek Canyon in collaboration
with braided STEM present
2026 Teachers in the Wild
A 7-day, 6-night professional learning retreat
focused on nature journaling and sciencing
PreK-12th Grade Educators
June 10-16, 2026
Cave Creek Canyon near Portal, Arizona
Brought to you by Thomas R. Brown Foundations

To apply, click HERE.

May be an image of mountain and text that says 'Teachers inthe Wild Professional development retreat for rural PreK-12 teachers Recharge & connect with nature's beauty Reinvigorate your STEM teaching June 10-16, June10-16, 2026 Southwestern Research Station Portal, Arizona $250 stipend &$150 materials Room & board provided Applications close March 1, 2026 curiosity, ournaling Margaret Wilch, Education Coordinator Friends of Cave Creek Canyon Hogan, Founder Braided STEM Nearly STEM education experience combined Applications available https://t.tatetinhewin Hear from lastyear's wild Teachers via QR code or https:/itl/.25tcachersinthewild TRBF 2026Application CAVECREEK 2025 video braided STEM'

Ready to trade your classroom for the canyon?

Join the Friends of Cave Creek Canyon (FOCCC)'s Education Coordinator Margaret Wilch and Braided STEM Founder DaNel Hogan for an unforgettable week where professional development meets wilderness adventure. This isn't your typical PD—it's a fully-funded retreat designed to help you fall back in love with teaching through the power of nature.

What You'll Experience:
🏔️ Seven days immersed in the stunning Chiricahua Mountains at Southwestern Research Station-SWRS
🔬 Hands-on learning with resident scientists conducting cutting-edge research
🔍 Discover what scientific research really looks like—and how to bring authentic inquiry to any grade level
📓 Nature journaling guided by the methods of John Muir Laws
🌿 Place-based exploration that follows YOUR curiosity and questions
🧠 Systems thinking tools you can bring straight back to your classroom
🤝 A community of passionate educators who get it

The Best Part? It's FREE (actually we pay you). Thanks to Thomas R. Brown Foundations, your room and board are covered. Plus, you'll receive a $250 stipend and $150 in classroom materials to take home.

Still on the fence? Hear from the 18 Wild Teachers who experienced this transformative retreat last year: https://bit.ly/2025teachersinthewild

APPLY NOW - Spaces are limited with preference for rural southeastern PreK-12th grade Arizona educators!
Deadline: March 1, 2026 Application: https://bit.ly/teachersinthewild2026app
Questions? Contact Margaret at FOCCCeducation@gmail.com

Give yourself the gift of time, learning, and wild places. See you in the canyon!

To apply, click HERE.