Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center offers professional development opportunities for science teachers to enhance their understanding of life science research, improve their teaching methods, and bolster their leadership in K-12 education.

Lab visit

Resources for teachers
  • Jumpstarting Student Research Fellowship - this fellowship supports middle and high school educators—especially in rural Iowa—in bringing research projects into their classrooms. Fellows receive funds for lab resources, professional development, and guidance to help students compete in competitions such as the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium and the State Science Technology Fair of Iowa.
  • Ready-made curriculum materials
  • UI Health Care STEM Education (request a visit, access virtual resources, and sign up for their newsletter)

  • Plan field trips and classroom visits

    We offer several different options for engaging students in cancer biology and STEM career education:

    • Exhibit at events like career fairs and family STEM/STEAM nights
    • Visit classrooms (or other sites) in-person or virtually to lead cancer-biology lessons, career discussions, and biotechnology sessions
    • Host chaperoned groups of 10-20 high school students for half-day events on campus

    Holden offerings:

    • What are possible cancer-related careers? - 2 minute game or 45 minute research activity (appropriate for 10th - 12th graders)
    • Intro to science/medical careers terminology and pathways - 5 - 10 minutes (appropriate for 10th - 12th graders)
    • Holden lab tour (NO hands-on work) - 20 - 30 minutes (appropriate for 10th - 12th graders)
    • Networking lunch with Holden students, staff, and faculty - 25 - 45 minutes (appropriate for 6th - 12th graders)
    • Networking tic-tac-toe with Holden students, staff, and faculty - 10 - 15 minutes (appropriate for 8th - 12th graders)

    Fill out this form to let us know about your interest!

  • Kirkwood Community College's Workplace Connection- offers educators age-appropriate initiatives to help middle and high school students make the connection between what they learn in school and future career paths, all while encouraging them to stay focused and do their best. 

Local programs for teachers

Conferences and organizations

The following STEM education organizations want to support your efforts!