CONNECT-ED’s mission is to support K-12 student achievement in science and mathematics through a content-rich, inquiry-centered, coherent system of professional development for their teachers.  CONNECT-ED teachers learn the “big ideas” in science and math and how to use them as unifying themes – “connectors” – in instructional planning and curriculum development

• CONNECT-ED is a consortium of 13 public school districts, one independent school, Rider University, Princeton University, Raritan Valley Community College, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and the National Staff Development Council (NSDC) dedicated to creating a coherent system of professional development for teachers of science and math.
• CONNECT-ED is a network of district-based Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused on collaborative teacher learning that embeds “big ideas thinking” in classroom instruction, student learning, and K-12 science/math programs.
• CONNECT-ED is a unique model of K-12 teacher professional development built upon the big ideas in science and math. 

Big Ideas Thinking – It’s All About Connections
Through CONNECT-ED, teachers gain an increased understanding of science and math content, insight into how students learn through inquiry, and experience using exemplary curricular materials.  Districts gain access to a regional network of CONNECT-ED Professional Learning Communities dedicated to student learning in science and math, and a network of CONNECT-ED Design Teams prepared to present an array of Big Idea Modules in science and math disciplines.