Matagorda Bay B-WET
What is Matagorda Bay B-WET?
It is a professional development opportunity for teachers funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Bay Watershed and Education Training (B-WET) program. The purpose is to support locally relevant, authentic experiential learning through meaningful watershed educational experiences, which include learning in the outdoors and in the classroom to increase understanding and stewardship of watersheds and related ecosystems. It is being offered by the Matagorda Bay Foundation and Baylor University's Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research.
Who should apply?
Matagorda Bay B-WET is open to Texas teachers in coastal counties and any watershed in the Colorado River Basin. If you are unsure if this is you, apply and we’ll let you know!
We are currently recruiting all 5th-12th grade teachers from any public or private school in counties near the Texas coast from the upper coast down to the valley, and in counties in the Colorado River Basin (the river that feeds the Matagorda Bay). Schools with watersheds connected or adjacent to the Matagorda Bay are prioritized for participation.
Studying watersheds can be multi-disciplinary and teachers outside of science are welcome to apply.
In addition to professional development and CPE hours, teachers selected to participate receive competitive stipends, curricula and other materials and supplies.
How will standards be supported?
B-WET projects are meant to support standards that teachers are already required to teach and be fully integrated in the curriculum (rather than be “something extra I have to do”). The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills that can be supported by meaningful watershed educational experiences vary depending on the class and grade level. Meaningful watershed education experiences include classroom and outdoors components, and the outdoor components could be on school grounds or further afield.
What is the time commitment for teachers?
Join us for a 3-day teacher field workshop on the Texas Coast, May 31-June 2, 2023 , in Palacios TX. Prior to the workshop you will complete some online professional development to prepare you to be able to guide your students through Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences (MWEE’s) during subsequent school years.
Important dates and details for the Matagorda Bay B-WET Project
- January 2023: Applicants notified of Acceptance Status
- Spring 2023: Online Professional Development (Asynchronous) for Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences
- May 31-June 2, 2023: Matagorda Bay B-WET Workshop in Palacious, TX