Teacher Overnight: Corals, Climate, & Resilience!
Sleep with the sharks—and earn up to 10 CTLE hours while you do it!
As the aquarium closes to the public, your after-dark adventure begins with exclusive nighttime access, hands-on learning, and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy animal encounters, dinner, pub trivia (drinks included), and a continental breakfast—then roll out your sleeping bag or air mattress inside the Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit for a truly one-of-a-kind overnight.
This year’s theme, Corals, Climate, and Resilience, highlights WCS’s global and local efforts to protect coral ecosystems and build climate resilience. You’ll leave with authentic, classroom-ready ways to teach climate solutions—plus memories you won’t forget!
Location: New York Aquarium
Date and Time: Saturday March 21, 5:00 pm - Sunday March 22, 10:00 am
Course is eligible for: 10 CTLE hours
Price: $250, includes:
- Teacher Swag
- Admission and Parking
- All activities
- Dinner buffet
- Continental breakfast
- 2 drinks at our pub trivia (alcoholic or non-alcoholic, no outside alcohol permitted)
Questions? Check out our FAQ page, here!Please note that this course includes 1-2 miles of walking outside. All paths are wheelchair accessible, except the beach. See our webpage for NY Aquarium Accessibility. If you have any concerns, please contact your instructor. For more information see the NY Aquarium Know Before You Go page.For more information about Professional Development courses, please contact: teacherinfo@wcs.org or (718) 220-5136.
Meet Your Instructors
Danny Kirsch (he/him)
Danny is a Coordinator of Professional Development with experience as both an educator and researcher. He received his undergraduate degree, double majoring in Biology and Anthropology, from Williams College, and his Master of Arts in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from Columbia University. Danny’s research has ranged from studying insect interactions, to observing animal-human interaction at 22 zoos in seven countries, to surveying zoo visitors to see how ambassador animals affect educational outcomes. He initially joined WCS as part of the New York Aquarium Education Department, and is thrilled to work with educators to see how zoos and aquariums can make science and conservation accessible and transformative
Shannen Rivadeneira (she/her)
A true innate lover of wildlife, Shannen Rivadeneira has dedicated her life to connecting with people from all over the world and inspiring conservation action. As a Professional Development Coordinator, Shannen seeks to build comfort and confidence in learning about the natural world. She holds a BS in Biological Sciences-Zoology from Florida State University and an MS in Conservation Biology from University of Central Florida. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England researching authentic cultural incorporation in community conservation programs.
