How to host a Modeling Workshop
AMTA gets many inquiries from individuals and institutions who would like to host Modeling Workshops. Below is a basic checklist outlining the host institution’s responsibilities. Notice that the first step is to contact us for unique answers depending on the circumstances of your organization. We are happy to discuss these with you personally!
STEP 1: Contact Us
Sue Rea, the Director of Member Services for AMTA, can be reached via email at sue@modelinginstruction.org.
Sue will give you detailed information and advice, and ensure that your workshop will successfully address the needs of your teachers.
STEP 2: Arrange for a Site Coordinator
A site coordinator is vital to the success of the workshop. Site coordinators are responsible for securing a workshop location, recruiting participants, and helping with the day-to-day logistics.
STEP 3: Choose the Content
Content can be chosen from middle school science, biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, or physical science. Once the content is determined, you will need to decide the duration of your workshop – introduction to Modeling Workshops (less than 2 weeks) provide initial experiences, while full Modeling Workshops (2 weeks or more) immerse participants in the Modeling pedagogy.
STEP 4: Logistics
AMTA has “turn-key” packages to take care of (almost) the entire coordination and organization of a Face-2-Face Modeling Workshop. All the host needs to do is to provide a suitable classroom (with access to lab facilities) and get the teachers into the room, and pay the fee* for the different packages. Purchase a package deal and decide how much your workshop will cost for outside participants (which will result in money back to you and reduce your total cost).
If you prefer to handle registration and collection of workshop fees yourself, AMTA will provide information about the workshop costs so that you can determine what to charge participants. In either case Sue Rea will help to secure qualified Modeling Workshop leaders.
Acquire appropriate materials necessary for the workshop. AMTA will provide access to the materials for you to print workshop manuals if you like.
Work with onsite Information Technology (IT) for internet access/passwords/printing needs.
Decide if you’d like to offer graduate credits. You may have a connection with a local university or use AMTA’s partnership with University of the Pacific (only $79/hour).
STEP 5: Promote and Manage
Send us registration information and begin advertising the workshop to local teachers. AMTA’s Director of Communications and Director of Marketing will help advertise the workshop nationally through our website and communications.
If you choose to have AMTA act as the fiscal manager of the workshop we will collect registrations for the workshop and pay workshop leaders.
STEP 6: Curriculum Materials and Licensing Fees
Modeling Workshop hosts will be allowed to print an entire set of curriculum materials for attendees. A $100 per-person licensing fee is charged for the use of AMTA instructional resources and our brand.
As part of an introduction and welcome to Modeling Instruction, AMTA will offer a free membership for teachers attending their first workshop and $50 (1/3 off regular $75 fee) for returning workshop attendees, on day 1 of the workshop.
