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Genzyme Teacher Sabbaticals

Since 1997, with continued generous support from the Cambridge-based biotechnology firm Genzyme Corporation, over 250 elementary and middle school teachers from Boston, Cambridge, Framingham, Westborough, and Waltham have had the opportunity to spend a week during the school year immersed as learners in unique educational experiences at the Museum.

While substitutes cover their classrooms, a team of five teachers from these five communities spend their "sabbatical" week with Museum educators, attending programs, learning the science behind our exhibits, and seeing how real objects from our collections can deepen both content and inquiry learning for them and their students. In addition, teachers have reported that the opportunity to spend time in adult discussion with other teachers is an essential element of this program.

Although the Museum has exhibits and programs from many disciplines, the learning experiences are designed to explore the relationship between biotechnology and life science topics throughout all grades. Furthermore, teachers are encouraged to pursue their interests in any area that they feel will strengthen their understanding of science, technology or engineering

To apply what they have learned, teachers can take advantage of the follow-up benefits, which include a return field trip to the Museum with their class and bus transportation at no cost.

This program is fully funded by Genzyme Corporation. There is no cost to these five communities selected by Genzyme. If you are a teacher in any of these communities, please contact your science director for more information on the 2007-08 school year.