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The Northeast Noyce Professional Learning Network Presents

Teacher Leaders Reimagining STEM Through Play

Collaborating for change through play, purpose, and shared leadership.

Teacher Leaders Reimagining STEM Through Play
July 28–30, 2026 | Rochester, NY

The Northeast Noyce Professional Learning Network was pleased to host this event for Noyce Master Teaching Fellows (MTFs) and MTF Alumni.

Participants explored how play can foster creativity, curiosity, innovation, and leadership while strengthening connections across the Noyce community. Event activities included collaborative design challenges, engineering experiences, structured networking, interactive sessions with the Play Collaborative at Nazareth University, and immersive visits to the Rochester Museum & Science Center and the Strong National Museum of Play.

The event’s goals centered on deepening STEM learning, strengthening teacher leadership, and building a collaborative network of educators committed to supporting one another and their students. Feedback from participants demonstrated the event’s success, with nearly all attendees strongly agreeing that they gained new perspectives on play and leadership, developed meaningful professional connections, and identified ideas they could immediately bring back to their classrooms, schools, and districts. Participants highlighted the value of rethinking what play can look like in educational settings and exploring ways to integrate play into teaching, learning, and leadership practice.

We are grateful to all who attended, facilitated sessions, and shared their experiences. The relationships, ideas, and inspiration generated during these three days will continue to strengthen STEM teacher leadership across the Northeast Noyce community.

Thank you to all those that attended and contributed to 3 days of learning, leading, and lots of play and laughter

Event highlights

Event Overview

  • Dates: July 28th – 30th, 2026
  • Location: University of Rochester, Rochester, NY with visits to the Rochester Museum and Science Center and the Strong National Museum of Play
  • Hosted by: The Northeast Noyce Professional Learning Network

Tuesday, July 28:

  • 6:00 PM
    • Arrival & Check-in at the Rochester Museum and Science Center
    • Programming, Dinner, Keynote Address, and Networking

Wednesday, July 29:

  • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Arrival, Coffee & Light Breakfast at University of Rochester, LeChase Hall
    • Welcome & Community Building Experience
    • Focused Sessions
    • Lunch & Networking
    • Visit to The Strong National Museum of Play

Thursday, July 30:

  • 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    • Arrival, Coffee & Light Breakfast at University of Rochester, LeChase Hall
    • Opening Remarks
    • Focused Sessions
    • Lunch & Networking
    • Closing Remarks

Hotel and Travel Information

Through the Northeast Noyce Grant, the University of Rochester will reimburse the cost of your travel expenses (mileage, train ticket, flight, etc.) up to $400 and lodging up to $450. Participants must coordinate and pay for their own travel and lodging for the event in advance. After the event, our team will follow up with instructions for reimbursement. 

Hotel Information

Through the Northeast Noyce Grant, the University of Rochester will reimburse the cost of your lodging up to $450. You must live a minimum of 35 miles one-way from the University of Rochester to qualify for lodging reimbursement.

Below are two recommended hotels near the University of Rochester, but you are more than welcome to book another hotel that better meets your needs. Please note that we do NOT have a block of rooms at either hotel, so you will need to make your own individual reservation. 

Travel Information

Through the Northeast Noyce Grant, the University of Rochester will reimburse the cost of your travel expenses (mileage, train ticket, flight, etc.) up to $400. You must live a minimum of 10 miles one-way from the University of Rochester to qualify for travel reimbursement.