Online North American Monarch Institute

The North American Monarch Institute (NAMI) is an intensive professional development opportunity for K-12 and preservice teachers and non-formal educators. This self-paced but time-bound professional development takes place July 14 - August 7, 2026. Read more below.

Class type: Instructor-supported, Self-paced
Dates: July 13 - August 7
Optional Office Hours:

July 21 (1:00pm - 1:30pm CT)
August 5 (7:00pm - 7:30pm CT)

Language: English
Instructors: Alyssa Taylor, Jenna Totz
Course Fee: $50 ($40 educator and senior discount)

Note that users will be prompted to create an account in order to register for and access the course.

If cost is a barrier to your participation and you would like to request financial support, please email learn@monarchjointventure.org.

Enroll in Course

ABOUT THIS COURSE

The North American Monarch Institute (NAMI) is an intensive professional development opportunity for K-12 and preservice teachers and non-formal educators. At it's core, NAMI aims to provide participants with knowledge and confidence to use monarchs and other invertebrates to teach science, math, art, language or other subjects. Participants gain an introductory understanding of the monarch life cycle, migration, and conservation as well hands-on experience in practicing several of the lessons from the Monarchs and More curriculum, which is the backbone for content and instruction of this workshop. Each participant will receive a Monarchs and More curriculum guide for the grade level of their choosing (K-2, 3-5, or 6-8).

The Online North American Monarch Institute for educators is a self-paced but time-bound professional development that takes place July 14 - August 7, 2026. This course includes mostly self-paced learning over 4 weeks, with 2 live (optional) Q&A session over Zoom. This course is full of discussion, activities, and monarch learning. You will be expected to watch videos each week with background knowledge on monarchs, complete a weekly learning journal, and complete weekly assignments. There is also a final implementation plan assignment. Educators will leave the institute with tools and knowledge to help lead their students, colleagues, and/or community in the science and conservation of monarchs and other beneficial insects. Upon completion of course and assignments, participants will receive a certificate for 8 hours.

Dates: July 14 - August 7, 2026

Office Hours:

July 21 1:00pm - 1:30pm CT
August 5 7:00pm - 7:30pm CT

Clock hours can be given to educators for teacher license renewal, Master Gardeners/Naturalists looking for continuing education hours, and anyone else looking for a certificate. Just email us!

Testimonials

Through this program I gained a deeper understanding of monarch conservation and the importance of restoring habitat right where we live. Protecting monarchs doesn’t only happen in large preserves, it begins in our gardens, schools, and communities. Education and local action are powerful tools for creating meaningful conservation change!

Natalie, Pennsylvania

What a great resource and value this course is! It offers useful and inspiring monarch-related material for all kinds of educators with various knowledge levels. The format of the course was flexible in being self paced with distinct session rollouts and goal post deadlines to help stay on track with appreciated instructor support and feedback. I now feel equipped with access to a variety of resources that I will most certainly refer back to in creating future programs and becoming involved in various community science projects.

Anna, California