The NOAA Ocean Exploration Education Team conducted an intensive three-day workshop in Dauphin Island, Alabama, bringing together ocean education specialists from across the nation. The training session, held from January 16-18, 2026, featured seven seasoned professionals who specialize in teacher development programs related to ocean exploration.
These education experts traveled from locations spanning the continental United States and beyond, with participants coming from as far as Puerto Rico and California. The group represents years of combined experience working in various aspects of marine education, bringing together knowledge in both ocean science research and teaching methods.
The specialized team focuses on making underwater exploration and deep-ocean discoveries accessible to educators through professional development workshops. Their work involves translating complex marine science concepts and cutting-edge ocean research into engaging educational content that teachers can use in their classrooms.
During their time in Alabama, the facilitators worked aboard the Research Vessel Alabama Discovery to explore Mobile Bay, gaining hands-on experience with the marine environment they help others understand and teach.
