Business Details
43 Years
experience
Inquiry-Based Science Education Programs
Founded in 1983 as the Museum Institute for Teaching Science (MITS), our organization has evolved into the Museum Institute For Teaching Conservation Sciences, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transforming science education through inquiry-based learning. We specialize in providing hands-on, minds-on professional development programs for K-12 educators, connecting them with STEM experts from research institutions, museums, and universities. Our merger with Manomet Conservation Sciences in 2023 unites two organizations committed to advancing science education and environmental conservation, expanding our capacity to deliver impactful programs. With over four decades of experience, we have trained 1,500 educators annually, empowering them to inspire students through inquiry-based pedagogy.Our expertise lies in designing customized school programs, summer institutes, and professional learning opportunities that align with national science standards. As a trusted leader in STEM education, we leverage partnerships with leading organizations to deliver regionally relevant, research-backed curricula. Our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and innovation ensures educators receive practical tools to enhance classroom engagement while fostering a conservation ethic. We maintain rigorous ethical standards through donor transparency, peer-reviewed methodologies, and continuous program evaluation to ensure measurable outcomes for educators and students alike.
Services
Professional Development Programs
Summer Institutes
Customized School Programs
STEM Resource Networking
Inquiry-Based Curriculum Design
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of expertise in inquiry-based science education training.
- Our programs connect educators with STEM experts from leading research institutions.
- We provide customized professional development aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.
- Our merger with Manomet Conservation Sciences expands access to environmental science resources.
- We train 1,500+ educators annually through evidence-based teaching methodologies.
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Services
Professional Development Programs
Our professional development programs immerse educators in hands-on, inquiry-based science learning. Participants collaborate with STEM experts from museums, universities, and research institutions to master innovative teaching methods. Programs emphasize practical application of Next Generation Science Standards through classroom-ready activities that foster critical thinking and environmental awareness.
Summer Institutes
Summer Institutes provide intensive, content-focused training for K-12 educators. These programs combine fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and curriculum development sessions led by science professionals. Participants gain practical experience designing inquiry-based lessons that align with state and national education standards while building professional networks.
Customized School Programs
We develop customized science education programs to meet specific school or district needs. Our team collaborates with administrators to create site-specific curricula that integrate local STEM resources. Services include teacher coaching, program evaluation, and implementation support for inquiry-based learning frameworks.
STEM Resource Networking
Our network connects educators with regional STEM professionals and institutions. We facilitate partnerships between schools and science organizations to provide access to specialized equipment, research expertise, and real-world learning opportunities that enhance classroom instruction.
Inquiry-Based Curriculum Design
We specialize in developing inquiry-based science curricula for grades K-12. Our approach emphasizes student-led exploration through problem-solving activities that mirror authentic scientific processes. Materials include assessment tools, alignment with education standards, and strategies for differentiated instruction.
People
Kathryn L. Atkins
Director
Kathryn L. Atkins leads the Wade Institute's strategic initiatives, overseeing program development and organizational growth. With extensive experience in science education leadership, she focuses on expanding access to inquiry-based learning resources for educators across Massachusetts.
Janine Whealan
Operations Coordinator
Janine Whealan manages the institute's operational logistics, ensuring seamless delivery of professional development programs. Her expertise in educational administration supports the coordination of partnerships between schools, STEM professionals, and conservation organizations.
Regan McKinnon
Education Programs Manager
Regan McKinnon specializes in designing customized school programs that integrate inquiry-based science education with local environmental resources. She works directly with educators to implement hands-on learning strategies aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.
Kara Doherty
Education Programs Manager
Kara Doherty coordinates professional learning programs that connect educators with STEM experts. Her focus areas include curriculum development, teacher mentorship, and creating accessible science education resources for diverse classroom environments.
Emily V. Wade
Founder
Emily V. Wade founded the organization in 1983 as the Museum Institute for Teaching Science. A pioneering advocate for STEM education, she championed inquiry-based learning methods that transformed science instruction for thousands of educators before her passing in 2024.
Questions
What is the Wade Institute's primary mission?
We empower K-12 educators through inquiry-based science professional development programs that connect classroom teachers with STEM experts and environmental resources.
How does the institute support educators?
We provide hands-on training programs, curriculum resources, and networking opportunities that help teachers implement effective, standards-aligned science instruction methods.
What regions do you serve?
While based in Massachusetts, our programs and resources benefit educators nationwide through partnerships with science institutions and conservation organizations.
How can I participate in your programs?
Educators can apply for summer institutes, request customized school programs, or join our professional learning networks through our website registration portal.
What makes your approach unique?
Our focus on inquiry-based learning combines teacher immersion experiences with practical classroom applications, fostering deeper student engagement through real-world scientific exploration.
How is the institute funded?
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on donations, grants, and program fees to maintain affordable access to our professional development opportunities for educators.
