Summer Research Experience for Teachers

Next RET Program: TBA

Too often, science is taught as a collection of static facts in a book, rather than as the creative, dynamic process for discovery that professional scientists see it as. This leads to decreased interest in and poorer learning and retention of science topics by students. The NYSTEM Stem Cell Research Experience for Pre-College Teachers program explicitly aims to change this through three mechanisms: authentic research experiences for teachers, graduate fellows serving as “resident scientists” in classrooms, and the creation of new inquiry-based curricular materials that engage students in scientific discovery. 

These approaches aim to bring research into the classroom and to help students see the power of science for addressing real-world problems. This program partners graduate fellows from Cornell with science teachers in a true teacher-scientist partnership that capitalizes on the strengths of graduate fellows and faculty in stem cell biology and research as well as the curriculum development insights of science teachers. Each summer ten teachers will be selected from districts in Upstate New York 

Teachers will spend eight weeks engaged in full-time research, learning, and curriculum development at Cornell. They will take a specially-created graduate course on stem cell biology and scientific research; participate in research on stem cell biology, mentored by their partnered graduate fellow and faculty member; and work with their graduate fellow and faculty member to create new, inquiry-based curricular materials for their classroom. During the following academic year, the graduate fellow will make multiple visits to the teacher’s classroom, including during the implementation of the new curriculum and teachers will participate in call-back sessions.

Program Details:
Possible Research Projects TBA
Stipend:$6,000*. Additional funding is available for travel/housing expenses as needed.

Curriculum Expenses: $1,000

Application Details:
Application Deadline: Rolling deadline until spots are filled.

Notification Date: TBA
 
To complete the application, you will need the following:

• A statement of interest (<1000 words)
• A resume/CV
• A letter of support from their principal