We are pleased to announce opportunities for teachers of science, math and technology to work with research scientists and engineers at Harvard University. Through our 6–8 week joint Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program, teachers participate in educational and technical research as part of a scientific research community.
Participants will have the benefit of significant collaboration with the science education community within the Center for Nanoscale Systems at Harvard, the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, and faculty in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard.

The RET program is designed to build bridges between K12 education and research in nanoscale, bio, and materials science & engineering; involve educators in the research community; enhance the quality of pre-college education; and result in the production of classroom-tested instructional materials.

• The NNIN Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program (8 weeks)
  • National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN),  teachers based at the Harvard site are part of a network that  has sites at Penn State, University of California at Santa Barbara,  Howard University, and Georgia Tech
  • Open to in-service and pre-service teachers of science or   technology who are or will be teaching in grades 6-12.
  • 6 weeks in summer at the NNIN site
  • 1 week follow up during the school year
  • 1 week sharing experience at the annual meeting of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)

The other RET program partners included in the Harvard joint Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program:

• Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center based at Harvard
  • Bring nanoscale science and engineering concepts to classroom.
  • Teachers from middle school to community college level can  apply.
  • Teachers may return for a second summer to refine module.
  • Opportunities to participate in and present at local & national conferences.
    
    
• Materials for Bioengineering Research Internships Dedicated to Gateway Experiences (BRIDGE)
  • New grant that focuses on teachers and undergraduates without prior research experience.
  • Bring materials and bioengineering research to classroom.
  • Teachers from elementary to community college level can apply.
  • Opportunities for significant interaction with undergraduates.
  • Teachers may return for a second summer to refine module.
  • Opportunities to participate in and present at local & national conferences.

Teachers in these 3 National Science Foundation-funded programs will work closely with faculty, staff, students, and each other to develop educational modules based on their exposure to research throughout the summer. While all teacher participants  share common meeting and training activities, each funding source has a distinct focus.

No prior scientific research experience is necessary. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. We welcome both pre-service and in-service teachers. We are eager to support you in your professional development goals.

• Eligibility for Application
  • US Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
  • Preference given to teachers within commuting distance to Harvard
    
    
• 2007-08 RET Timeline – Important Dates:
  • Application Deadline:         April 27, 2007 or until positions filled
  • Summer Experience 2007: June 25 –August 2007
  • School-Year Follow-up:      Fall 2007 – early Spring 2008
  • NSTA Conference – Boston, MA: March 27-30, 2008

RET provides:

• Stipend - $1000 per week for 40 hour week
• 6-8 week summer experience with faculty and graduate student collaborators
• Travel support to NSTA – up to $1,500
• Classroom materials funds
• Classroom activity development support
• Hands-on research experience