Virtual Book Studies - Northeast Noyce Professional Learning Network

Overview

Our virtual book studies are a great way to connect, learn, and share ideas with other educators. Each session is led by a member of our Teacher Leader Cadre and focuses on exciting topics in STEM.

These book studies offer a supportive space for teachers to:

Explore new ideas and strategies for STEM teaching
Reflect on classroom practices and student learning
Engage in meaningful conversations with fellow educators
Discover practical ways to apply what they learn

Each session centers around a carefully selected book that sparks discussion and deepens understanding of STEM education. Whether you’re new to STEM or looking to expand your expertise, you’ll find valuable insights and inspiration.

Participant Stipend

Northeast STEM teachers who fully participate in all PLC sessions will receive a $450 stipend. Those wishing to receive the stipend must complete a W-9 when registering for the Video Club.

Ready, set, science!: Putting research to work in K-8 science classrooms (Michaels, Shouse, & Schweingruber, 2008)

Elementary Science Book Study (Grades K-5)

Overview:

Join us for a collegial book study of Ready, Set, Science!—a resource that brings powerful research on science teaching and learning to life through real classroom examples.

Facilitator: Marie Rice
16 Hours (Eight 90-minute meetings with 30 minutes of reading for each session)
Register By October 14, 2026

Transform Your Classroom Using Asset-Based Teaching (Steele & Honey, 2025)

Secondary Math Book Study (Grades 6 - 12)

Overview:

In our exploration of Transform Your Math Class Using Asset-Based Teaching for Grades 6-12 (Steele & Honey, 2025), we will reflect our own beliefs about the strengths and prior knowledge that our students bring to the classroom.

Facilitator: Brittany Smithgall
18 Hours (Six 90-minute meetings with 90 minutes of asynchronous work prior to each session)
Register By October 29, 2025

Math-ish (Boaler, 2024)

Elementary Mathematics Book Study (Grades K-3)

Overview:

This book study will be a launchpad for actionable change in your classrooms. Using the book, Mathish, (Boaler, 2024), we will explore how to foster growth mindset, incorporate flexible thinking and estimating into our classrooms, and dismantle the myth of the “math brain” by learning practical and effective practices.

Facilitator: Maria Frey
18 Hours (Five 90-minute meetings with 90 minutes of asynchronous reading/work between each session
Register By November 4, 2025

Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics (Liljedahl, 2020)

Secondary Math Book Study (Grades 9-12)

Overview:

In this book study, we will work through Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms and focus on practical strategies to encourage deeper thinking and collaboration among students.

Facilitator: Courtney Sobanski
20 Hours (Eight 90-minute meetings with 1 hour of asynchronous reading/work prior to first session)
Register By October 8, 2026

Designing Groupwork: Strategies for Heterogeneous Classrooms (Cohen & Lotan, 2014)

Secondary STEM Book Study (Grades 6-12)

Overview:

This Book Study will build on designing group work practices using “Designing Groupwork: Strategies for the Heterogenous Classroom” by Elizabeth G. Cohen & Rachel A. Lotan (2014) as the primary resource

Facilitator: Michaela Marino
9 Hours (Five 90-minute meetings with 90 minutes of asynchronous work prior to first session)
Register By January 7, 2026