Esri News Release | 17/03/2025
Esri UK joins forces with STEM Learning to train more teachers in GIS
New courses help teachers in the north gain new skills in latest geospatial technology
Esri UK has partnered with STEM Learning to provide GIS training courses for teachers in the north of England for the first time. The courses will enable teachers to use the latest geospatial technology in lessons and give students aged 11 to 18 new skills and unlock exciting careers. The new programme will take place at the National STEM Learning Centre in York and be delivered by Esri UK’s schools team.
Aimed at all STEM subject teachers in addition to Geography and Humanities, the courses range from introductory to advanced and cover mobile mapping apps, 3D digital twins, interactive dashboards and collecting data in the field to make the curriculum more engaging. Building GIS applications enriches teaching by allowing students to explore issues and answer questions. Specific examples include tracking hurricanes, wildfires and volcanic eruptions from space to using Met Office data to understand climate change.
Esri UK’s ArcGIS for Schools programme means every school in the UK already has free access to GIS. The courses range from 1-day £60 courses to 2-day £165 courses which include accommodation. Bursaries are also available for teachers working with underserved communities.
“I am delighted to welcome teachers to the National STEM Learning Centre at York as part of our exciting new partnership with Esri UK and their innovative GIS technology,” said Séverine Trouillet, Chief Executive of STEM Learning. “This collaboration marks a significant step in making high-quality professional development more accessible, ensuring that teachers can benefit from high-quality, STEM specific support no matter where they are. GIS technology quietly powers the modern world, bridging gaps not only in geography but also across STEM, humanities and the arts. It plays a critical role in education by showing how interconnected our disciplines are, and STEM Learning is delighted to showcase its potential in advancing STEM subjects and teacher confidence, ultimately boosting students’ outcomes.”
Benefits of the GIS courses were summed up by Brendan Egan, Head of Geography at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, who had previously attended the training in Kent:
“The Esri UK training is really informative and filled with practical, ‘easy win’ applications for using GIS in the classroom and has totally transformed the way I now deliver content to students. The new tools have improved how I plan lessons and get students to engage with the technology – it really helps bring topics to life. Students are growing in confidence with how to use it which is the main objective. It helps them to answer questions and solve problems and understand concepts more quickly.”
Katie Hall, Esri UK Schools Manager, commented: “We’re thrilled to partner with STEM Learning and bring GIS to even more teachers and students. Hosting courses for teachers in the north of England for the first time will increase access for more schools across the UK. Career opportunities using geospatial skills are increasing rapidly, particularly in the sustainable and environmental sectors. The partnership is another milestone in helping teachers provide young people with the skills and technology they need to unlock these fulfilling and engaging careers.”
Course information can be found here:
A Beginner’s Guide to Geographic Information Systems
Going further with Geographic Information Systems
Beginner and Advanced Package for Geographic Information Systems
About STEM Learning
At STEM Learning, our commitment to STEM education is part of everything we do. Whether that’s delivering teacher CPD (continuing professional development) in STEM subjects, bringing STEM role models into schools as part of the STEM Ambassador Programme or providing bespoke, long-term support for groups of schools in collaboration with companies through our ENTHUSE Partnerships, our aim is always the same – to improve lives through STEM education.
Website: https://www.stem.org.uk/about-us