Watch this video to learn what to expect and how much fun you will have!

Illinois Teachers Workshop
Rocks, Minerals & Mining in Today’s Society
July 13-15 2026
Starved Rock State Park

Attention Illinois Teachers!
Register for this three-day event designed to inform Illinois educators about the importance of rocks, minerals, and mining in everyday life.  Participants will your active mining operations and to acquire information, tools, and activities to use in their classrooms.  The workshop is held at various locations around the state of Illinois in order to highlight the diversity of Illinois' geology and how this affects the rocks and minerals mined nearby.  

​REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

REGISTER HERE

$100 registration includes all meals and hotel accommodations.

What you will learn & do​

• Learn about Illinois geology, Earth processes, mining for rocks & minerals, their uses and end products, land reclamation, sustainability, and environmental issues.
• Actively participate in fun and educational hands-on activities suitable for teaching earth science in the classroom.
• Talk with experts from industry, academia, and regulatory agencies about mining, geology, and all of the career opportunities mining has to offer.
• Experience field trips to unique geological formations, historical sites, active mining operations and land reclamation sites where the importance of geology and mining are revealed!​
• Network with fellow educators.​​

Fees & Accommodations

• Teachers pay a $100 fee to attend the workshop. All meals and lodging are included at no additional cost. 
• You will sleep in a private room unless you have indicated you would like to share a room with another participant.  You may also go home each night if you live near the workshop location.
• The registration fee is non-refundable unless the workshop is full at the time your registration is received.  If the workshop is canceled, your registration fee will be refunded.​
• The IAAP will match every teacher with an industry member sponsor whose financial contribution to this workshop provides for the facilities rental, educational materials and lodging accommodations for both nights of the workshop.
• Participating teachers will be responsible for the registration fee and cost for graduate level credit if you so choose.  
• For an additional course fee of $250, two graduate credit hours can be earned through Illinois State University (course number 439.07 - Geology of Illinois: Teaching Rocks, Minerals and Mining in the Classroom).  You may download the graduate credit syllabus and assignment on this webpage.
• ​IAAP members wishing to sponsor a teacher or contribute to this event should contact Jodi or Jess at the IAAP.

What you receive for attending

• Professional Development Contact Hours are granted through a partnership with the Illinois Science Teaching Association, or participants have the opportunity to obtain two (2) Graduate Credit Hours through Illinois State University.
• Each teacher receives numerous educational materials, including mineral kits, rock & mineral samples, fossil kit, videos, posters, lesson plans, learning activities, and other teaching aids provided by the IAAP and its members. 
• And participants will join a learning community of teachers who have attended the workshop.

Don't miss this great opportunity to learn, have fun, and make valuable contacts with other teachers and individuals in the mining industry!

Russ Brielman Teaching Grant for Past Participants

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Teachers' comments about the workshop
“The workshop was a fantastic learning experience! I can't express enough gratitude for the warmth, generosity, and hospitality of all the individuals and organizations involved in the workshop. You have put together an all-star team and a stellar program. You should be very proud of the workshop- it ranks among the best professional development experiences I've had in 17 years.”
            L.S., Sumner Academy
"I came away with a wealth of information, ideas, activities, and materials that I am very excited to incorporate within the classroom."
            B.C., Lisbon Grade School 
"I really appreciate the opportunity to mix with "real" scientists and people in the field.  All were willing to answer questions.  I like having folks I can call if I have questions."
            A.R., Old Orchard Junior High
"Wow!  This workshop was amazing.  All of the presenters were very knowledgeable in their area.  I didn't realize how important the industry is in today's society."
            T.C., West Oak Middle School