Skip to content

Discovery Educator Network (DEN) Summer Institute 2021

Tuesday, July 20 – Thursday, July 22, 2021

The DEN Summer Institute (DENSI) is a one-of-a-kind, collective professional learning experience exclusive for DEN STAR educators. Come join us for three immersive days with comprehensive learning tracks that allow participants to learn, share, and connect with other members from around the world! Participants leave with new ideas, resources, and an expanded professional learning network to support their instructional and leadership goals. #DENSI2021 is designed for all DEN STAR educators who are teachers, principals, instructional coaches, library media specialists, and district support teams. *Due to CDC guidelines DENSI 2021 will be hosted virtually.

We’re excited to spend three days with you! Here’s what you can expect from our time together.

Tuesday, July 20
11:00 AM – 2:30 PM ET

Your New Discovery Education Experience

Meet members of your Discovery Education teams as they unveil the reimagined Discovery Education learning platform. Built on feedback from educators from around the globe, you’ll find more and better ways to design and deliver engaging learning experiences every day. You will also have time to celebrate the success of the past school year as you connect with other educators.

  • The day’s agenda will include:
    • Opening Welcome Session
    • Small Group Sessions
    • Guided Explorations

Wednesday, July 21
11:00 AM – 2:30 PM ET

Designing Digital Activities

We’ll build on the excitement from our first day and go hands-on with Discovery Education to build meaningful learning activities. From interactive slideshows, all new Activity Templates and real-time collaboration, there is a lot to explore! You will also have the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions hosted by fellow DENSI attendees and our education partners.

  • The day’s agenda will include:
    • Opening Welcome Session
    • Small Group Sessions
    • Community Breakout Sessions

Thursday, July 22
11:00 AM – 2:30 PM ET

Becoming Better Together

For 16 years, our mission has been connecting you to your most valuable resource: each other. On our final day, we’ll focus on empowering you with professional learning strategies, resources, and ideas through “Unconference” sessions created by you, our community. Together, we will develop a plan to bring your learnings to other educators in your school or district.

  • The day’s agenda will include:
    • Hive Mind Activity
    • Unconference Sessions
    • Closing Planning Session

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for DENSI 2021?
This year, DENSI 2021 is open to all DEN STAR educators.


What is the time commitment for DENSI? Do I have to attend all three days?
Participants are expected to attend the full, 3-day experience. We will have short, scheduled breaks each day and appreciate your full attention during the sessions. Because of the nature of our collaborative sessions, most of the content will not be recorded.


What should I expect after I register for DENSI?
After registering you will receive a confirmation email. In the weeks prior to the event, you will have access to a private event page with session details and suggestions for preparing for our time together.


Will I need to log in to Discovery Education to participate?
Yes, you’ll need to have an active login. If you need assistance logging in, please contact Education Support.


Does it cost to attend DENSI?
DENSI is completely FREE. Check out all our free events on our calendar.


Will I receive a certificate for participating in the event?
At the end of the event, participants will receive a survey to complete, which will generate a link to a printable certificate. Share this certificate with your local school organization to request hours for professional development credit. How your district chooses to honor it is at their discretion.


I registered for DENSI but I didn’t receive my confirmation email. What should I do?
Please check your inbox for your confirmation email from Discovery Education. If you do not see this email, check your spam or junk folder. If you have missed emails related to VirtCon: Spring 2021, please email [email protected] for assistance.

So that you never miss an email from us, we recommend adding us to your contacts or safe sender list. Here are our common email addresses:
[email protected]
[email protected]

If you need assistance, please contact your IT support team.


Have further questions?
Email [email protected] for assistance.