This program will provide a true research experience in the natural sciences, technology, or mathematics. It is intended for in-service science or math teachers who have limited previous research experience. This program is not a "workshop," but will provide professional assistance in the transfer of the research experience into useful activities for the classroom ("implementation").
Placement: Teachers will be matched with mentors according to common interests and teaching areas. Scientist/mentors will participate with the Project Personnel in interviewing and selecting teachers of like interests for placement in their laboratories. We will try to place teachers in labs most closely corresponding to their greatest area of interest, and where possible, in areas in which they feel competent. Preparation of both teachers and mentors will be intended to make the teachers' experience as similar as possible to that of other researchers supervised by the same mentor. We regard this as an essential element of the Summer Teacher Research Experience program, and as the element with the most powerful effect on teachers' ability to convey the excitement of science to their students.
*Selection Criteria: (see the calendar for relevant deadlines)
Upon receipt of your application, the SMTEI will determine your eligibility and contact you within 10 working days. If you are eligible, additional materials will be sent to you including an agreement that your supervising administrator must sign (see below).
All forms should be completed and in our hands by April 12, 2003. Late applications will be considered until May 12, 2003 if all slots have not been filled by this deadline (This information will appear on the Brochure front page, top center).
Eligible applicants will be invited to meet with the SMTEI staff and potenital Mentors on Saturday, April 20, 2003, from 10 to 4 (includes lunch). The mentor/teacher selection is a mutual process Teachers, mentors, and SMTEI staff will reach mutual agreement about the summer research experience. In addition, provisions exist for reassignment of teachers and mentors during the summer experience.
Teachers who are selected into this program are expected to cheerfully(!) participate in assessment activities. This includes (but is not limited to) assessing the attitudes of their current and future students. Teachers participating in this program will be sent an evaluation instrument early in May which they should administer to all their current students. See "Assessment" for more details.
Teachers accepted into the program will be enrolled in the SWT Graduate School and receive graduate credit for their participation. Details will vary on an individual basis but in some cases the credit may be applicable to an advanced degree.
Cost: There is no charge for this program - rather we pay you to participate. The stipend is intended to offset the costs of participating. We offer free lodging but not board.