Advanced Green Chemistry: Connections to Our World

Who: High School Chemistry Teachers (Prerequisite: Intro to Green Chemistry)

What: An 8-week online learning course with additional option for graduate level relicensure credit

When: June 8-August 3, 2026

Where: Online (Synchronous sessions**/Asynchronous Modules)

Cost: $475 to enroll*

**Free for NY teachers, and Environmental Justice Communities, with discount code (contact info@beyondbenign to find out if your state has a discount available and if you teach in NYS and haven't received your code)

About this course

Ready to take green chemistry to the next level in your classroom? Have you already started replacing your labs with safer materials?

Join Beyond Benign Certified Lead Teacher, NY Master Teacher Emeritus, Annette Sebuyira as you expand your knowledge of green chemistry principles and practices by analyzing Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award technologies. In this course, you’ll dive into toxicology for chemistry basics and investigate the pedagogy for effective guidance of student-based research projects and inquiry-based projects.

• See below for opportunity for additional mentoring opportunity for NY State Advanced Green Course participants!

This course is right for you if:

• You want to support your students’ project-based learning and invention in the classroom
• You have completed Intro to Green Chemistry and are ready to advance to the next level
• You are curious about how to foster student engagement

By enrolling you’ll learn:

• How to expand your knowledge of green chemistry principles and practices
• How to infuse student driven projects and research into your curriculum
• How to develop deeper real-world chemistry connections for your students

Course topics include:

• Analyzing Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award technologies
• Introduction to Toxicology for chemistry basics
• Integration of science research into your chemistry course

See Syllabus Here (Sample 2025 Syllabus - New syllabus available February 2026)

Registration deadline is Friday, June 5, 2026.

Synchronous Zoom Sessions (Required)**

• 4 Sessions: Dates/Times TBA in Feb 2026
• All June synchronous dates will be in the evening to accommodate educators who are still teaching during school hours

The new Beyond Benign fellowship opportunity is a fantastic initiative for teachers interested in integrating Green Chemistry into their curriculum with full support during implementation.

Fellowship Overview

• Target Audience: New York State teachers who are looking to advance their knowledge through the Advanced Green Chemistry course, with a focus on practical implementation.
• Duration: Four months, September-December, 2026

Benefits for Fellows

1. Mentorship: Accompaniment by Annette Sebuyira, a NY Master Teacher Emeritus and Beyond Benign Certified Lead Teacher, during the implementation of Green Chemistry lessons.

2. Observations: Virtual classroom/lab observations to provide feedback and support.

3. Peer Support: Monthly meetings with four other Fellows for regular support and reflection.

4. Community Engagement: Opportunities to share experiences and learning within the Green Chemistry community.

5. Presentation Opportunities: Support to present work at events like STANYS/Observe Wonder Think, either individually or as a group.

6. Publication Opportunities: Opportunity to submit lessons as Open Educational Resources for peer-reviewed publication.

7. Academic Credit: An additional credit (1) beyond the Online Course (3 credits).

8. Classroom Funding: A $100 gift card for classroom resources upon completion of the program.

Application Considerations

- Interested teachers should ensure they meet the prerequisites and are prepared to engage actively in the program.

- Collaboration and sharing of experiences with peers will be a significant aspect of the fellowship.

This program not only enhances teachers' knowledge and skills in Green Chemistry but also fosters a collaborative learning environment, which can be incredibly beneficial for professional growth and student engagement.

WHO: New York State High School Lab-Based Science Teachers

WHAT: 4-month Fellowship program/mentorship opportunity with additional option for graduate level relicensure credit (1 credit, 16 hours)

WHEN: September – December, 2026 (following completion of Advanced Green Chemistry)

WHERE: Online – Synchronous monthly Fellow meetings, Virtual classroom visits

COST: Free to NY Lab-Based High School Science Teachers

DEADLINE: Apply by Monday, June 1, 2026

Funding provided by the NYS Pollution Prevention Institute through a grant from the Environmental Protection Fund as administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Any opinions, findings, and/or interpretations of data contained herein are the responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions, interpretations or policy of Rochester Institute of Technology and its NYS Pollution Prevention Institute or the State.

Learn more and Apply For Fellowship Here

Limited Fellowship applicants accepted (5)

Grad-level relicensure credits available from Adams University for an additional Cost (see FAQs below for further details)