NFB EQ Teacher Seminar

Teachers tracking the temperature of their glasses using accessible science tools.NFB EQ is an extension of the National Federation of the Blind’s National Center for Blind Youth in Science initiative. NFB EQ expands on the exciting and innovative work conducted by the NFB in the area of informal STEM education and teacher professional development through previous National Center for Blind Youth in Science programs such as the NFB Youth Slam, NFB Project Innovation, NFB STEM-X, and NFB STEM2U.

Embrace your engineering quotient (EQ)!

NFB STEM2U teacher participant tests self-made recyclable aircraft in a wind tunnelAre you interested in learning more about how to support your blind and low vision students in STEM subjects? Have you wondered how blind and low vision students can be more fully included in engineering courses and activities? Join the National Federation of the Blind for the 2016 NFB EQ Teacher Seminar, a three-day STEM-focused professional development opportunity for teachers who work with blind and low vision high school students in STEM subjects.

Teachers use the sensational blackboard to create tactile graphics.At this program, you will learn about various tools and techniques that blind and low vision students can use in the STEM classroom. You will also learn first-hand how the NFB EQ engineering curriculum was designed to be fully inclusive and you will have the opportunity to figure out how you can apply the same instructional design techniques in your instruction. You will have the occasion to network with teachers from across the country as well as leading experts in the field.

Want to see a snap shot of the program? Check out this video from NFB EQ 2015. Pictures from the program are available on our Facebook page.

The Specs

Participants: 20 teachers
Dates: To be announced
Location: National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in Baltimore, Maryland
Application: The application period has ended for this program. Please subscribe to our e-newsletter to keep abreast of future program dates. To subscribe to the newsletter, please email iof@nfb.org.  
Cost: $0 (This program is free of charge.)
Hashtag: #NCBYS

Additional Information

  • Those invited to apply include: teachers of the blind/visually impaired, STEM teachers working with blind students, or students enrolled in teacher preparation programs for teachers of the blind/visually impaired.
  • To be eligible to apply teachers must be a United States resident and be available to attend the entire program.
  • Teachers will make their own travel arrangements.Travel stipends will be available to support the attendance of participants; the value of the stipend will be based on need and cost incurred for travel.
  • Lodging and meals will be provided for participants for the duration of the program at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute.
  • If you are a student looking to participate please visit: http://www.blindscience.org/nfbeq

What Teachers are Saying about NFB’s STEM-Focused Professional Development

Yaju Feinberg draws with a 3D Doodler pen.“I feel as though I am better prepared to make suggestions to STEM teachers for how best to instruct my students. I also have more tools in my own personal toolbox that I can use and suggest, not only to my teachers who I work with, but my district as well. I also feel as though I know a little better how to work with my students within the STEM classroom setting.”

“I was able to meet people who can help me with topics I don't know as much about.”

Natalie Shaheen
National Center for Blind Youth in Science Project Director
National Federation of the Blind
STEM@nfb.org
410-659-9314 ext. 2418

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1322855.

Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.