This summer, Bardstown Middle School science teacher Dawn Curtsinger spent three days at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, California, but this wasn’t a vacation. Dawn was one of only 31 educators from across the U.S. and Hong Kong selected to participate in the Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science, a nationally recognized, grant-funded professional development program for middle and high school science teachers.

The program, known for its hands-on approach and deep dive into wildlife conservation, has trained more than 2,000 educators from all 50 states and 30 countries. Participants spend their days in the Conservation Education Lab and their evenings exploring the Zoo Safari Park, learning directly from experts who are working to protect endangered species around the globe.

For Dawn, this experience was the perfect fit for her Honors Environmental Science class.

“I applied because I knew this workshop would give me the tools and knowledge to make my classes more engaging and meaningful for students,” Dawn said. “Conservation science isn’t just about problems; it’s about solutions, innovation, and giving students hope for the future.”

During the workshop, teachers explored real-world biodiversity challenges, used advanced research tools, and developed lessons aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. Participants even completed online coursework before arriving, ensuring they were prepared to maximize their hands-on experience.

One of Dawn’s biggest takeaways was the reminder that conservation is a global effort.

“Humans are all the same,” she said. “We all want a world where we can live together peacefully. It’s not all doom and gloom. There’s so much innovation happening in conservation science, and I want my students to see that.”

Thanks to the program, Dawn returned with access to new curriculum materials, lab kits, and classroom-ready activities that bring science to life. This fall, her students will work with a Condor Genetics Kit, exploring the efforts to save California condors from extinction, and in the spring, they’ll use a Frog Telemetry Kit to track amphibian populations and understand their role in the ecosystem.

This isn’t Dawn’s first time seeking out unique professional development opportunities. Since 2018, she’s participated in The Ecology School in Maine, the NEED Conference in Kentucky, the NEED National Conference in Texas, and American Wilderness in Wyoming. For her, these experiences aren’t just about learning; they’re about connecting her students to the bigger world.

“I’m passionate about conservation and teaching,” Dawn said. “Opportunities like this broaden my perspective and make me a better teacher. I can share real stories — like talking about the work being done with panda bears at the San Diego Zoo — and show students how science is happening right now.”

Through her curiosity and commitment to growth, Dawn exemplifies what it means to be an inquisitive thinker, using professional development not only to enhance her own expertise but also to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers at Bardstown Middle School.