Educator Professional Development

Our professional development opportunities are designed to empower and connect K-12 educators with stories and case studies of the Obama administration, The Obama Foundation’s practice and commitment to Values-Based Leadership, and the changemakers of all ages who are improving their communities today. During our professional development sessions, educators can expect hands-on learning, ample opportunities to discuss content and pedagogy with other educators, and time to connect with The Obama Foundation and our various resources for adults and students.
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To ensure that educators have the opportunity to attend our professional development opportunities, instead of first-come, first-serve registration, we are asking interested educators to submit a short application to be considered for these opportunities. 

Learn more about our next professional development opportunities below. 

If you would like the opportunity to attend both professional development opportunities, please submit separate applications. 

Teacher Touchpoints

Teacher Touchpoints are designed to inspire and empower K-12 educators through self-guided exploration of the Obama Presidential Center and Museum. Apply today to join this open-house style engagement with opportunities to meet with Obama Foundation staff, learn about resources available to educators on and off-campus, and dive into the many ways you can bring the teachings of the Museum and campus back to the classroom. 

Due to the open-house style of this opportunity, educators will not be eligible for continuing education credits. 

Next Teacher Touchpoint Date: Monday, September 28, 2026

Check-in is available beginning at 3:30 p.m. Museum entry begins at 5:30 p.m. 

We recommend arriving early to explore the campus prior to your Museum entry time, which will be assigned when you check-in. 

  • Applications due: Monday, August 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CT

  • Announcement of cohort via email: Monday, August 31, 2026

  • Confirmation of acceptance due : Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CT


K-12 educators are eligible to apply. 

Apply Now

Hope to Action: Building Civic Inquiries

Apply today to join the Obama Foundation and the Illinois Council for the Social Studies at the Obama Presidential Center for an interactive professional development workshop designed to deepen your teaching practice in social studies education. Through exploring the Obama Presidential Museum and inquiry-based collaborative learning, educators will leave with practical strategies for integrating Obama Presidential Center resources and field trip experiences into their curriculum, along with fresh pedagogical approaches to fostering civic inquiry in 6-12 classrooms.

Continuing education units are available for educators who attend the entire day and complete the appropriate program evaluation. 

Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

  • Applications due: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 by 5 p.m. CT 

  • Announcement of cohort via email: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 

  • Confirmation of acceptance due: Friday, September 18, 2026 by 5 p.m.

6-12 educators in Illinois are eligible to apply. 

Apply Now

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Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our first educator professional development opportunity in Fall 2026 and our future offerings.
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Additional questions can be directed to education@obama.org (Opens in a new tab) . Please allow 1 business week for reply.