Research Experiences for Teachers - CSATS: Center for Science and the Schools

How do I know if I am eligible for the RET Program?

Everything you need to know about eligibility can be found on the RET website .

I don’t live near the RET placement I am applying for (i.e., I am from out-of-town or out-of-state). Can I still apply?

Some placements for the RET program are offered online. Please check under "additional information" for which programs are offered virtually. For virtual RETs, the program is open to any educator to apply.

Do I need to have research experience to apply?

No, you do not need to have research experience. But if you do, please be sure to tell us in your application.

How do I apply?

The RET application is an online form. The application requires general contact information, direct supervisor information, 3 professional references, 3 essay questions, a support letter from your immediate supervisor, and a sample lesson plan.

When is the application due?

The deadline to apply for a virtual research experience is March 31st, 2023. Please contact Tiffany Lewis, CSATS STEM Education Outreach Specialist, tzs80@psu.edu, if you require submission beyond that date, but are interested in the program.

Can I save the RET application and return to it later?

Yes, you can save the application and return to it later to submit, but we suggest that you prepare your answers in a separate document and copy them into the webpage.

I am having a problem with the online application form. Whom should contact?

We are sorry to hear that you are having a problem with the application and are happy to help you. If you have a general question or issue, please contact Tiffany Lewis, CSATS STEM Education Outreach Specialist, tzs80@psu.edu.

How will I know if my application is complete and submitted?

You will receive an automatically generated email when you submit your application. Note: All automatically generated email messages about your RET application will be sent to you but if you aren’t getting these messages, check your spam or junk folders.

Who will evaluate my application?

CSATS faculty, and possibly the research mentors, will review your application.

When will I hear if I have been selected for the RET?

You should be notified of decisions by the end of April 2023. You will be notified by e-mail of your acceptance or regrets for the program.

If I am not selected this year, can I apply again next year?

Of course, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements listed on our website.

Which labs host RET teachers?

The RET program is being held virtually for the Summer of 2023. Most research can be conducted remotely; however, depending on your proximity to a lab placement, you may be able to conduct the research in-person.

What is it like to be a RET?

As an RET, you will spend 6 weeks engaged in an authentic research experience with a scientist or engineer based on your placement. During 6 of the 7 weeks, you will spend 4 days of the week working a full-time workday (8 hours per day) on your technical research and 1 day a week will be spent with CSATS faculty to receive professional development (PD). The PD is held via Zoom for 4 hours with breaks and you will have an additional 3 hours of asynchronous work to do in preparation for the synchronous meetings. During week 7 of the program, you will not be required to officially conduct any research (unless you have tasks to wrap up). This time is intended for RETs to work on their technical posters and/or classroom research projects to present at the RET Symposium capstone event. For more specific information such as work hours, see “Questions about RET Logistics” below.

What are the benefits?

As an RET teacher, you will gain a better understanding of the nature of research and the current practices of scientists and engineers, which inform current science education best practices. CSATS faculty will then help you translate your technical research experience into a classroom application for your students. For your work in the summer, you will receive a stipend of $6,000. An additional $1,500 stipend is available if you implement your classroom research project during the academic year and conduct action research on your teaching practice and student learning. If you conduct the action research, you will complete an impact report to share your results. See the section “I’ve read that RETS will develop a classroom research project” below.

I’ve read that RETs will develop a classroom research project as part of the summer program. What does that entail?

As part of the professional development sessions, you will learn how to translate your research experience into a classroom application that fits within your existing curriculum. At the conclusion of the summer, you will create a classroom reach project using content and/or practices you learned from your research experience. CSATS provides a template for this process. You will present your project to CSATS faculty and other CSATS RET fellows to receive feedback. During the following academic year, you will then pilot your research project unit in your classrooms and collect data to inform the outcome of predetermined project goals. CSATS faculty will remain as an available resource during the implementation process throughout the academic year. At the conclusion of implementing your classroom research project and data collection, you will complete an impact report to share the results of your project.

What are the dates for the 2022 Summer RET program?

The seven-week program runs from June 20 – August 4, 2023 (Monday – Friday).

How do I get paid?

RET participants are paid a $6,000 stipend for their full participation in the seven-week program. The stipend is paid by check in two installments of $3,000. You will receive the first installment mid-way through the summer and the second installment of $3,000 upon completion and acceptance of your classroom research project and completion of other end of the program tasks.

Will I get college credit or continuing education credit?

You have the opportunity to receive up to 3 graduate credits through Penn State if you enroll in the course through Penn State by May 14, 2023. You are responsible for tuition payment. If interested, please reach out to Tiffany Lewis, STEM Education Outreach Specialist, tzs80@psu.edu to learn how to enroll in the course BEFORE May 1, 2023. We can also provide 36 hours of Act 48 credits.

Can I take classes or work another job during the RET program?

The RET program is a full-time, Monday-Friday commitment for the 7-weeks. If you decide to work another job or take classes, this must occur OUTSIDE of your RET program time commitments. Please take this into consideration when planning to work or take classes outside of the RET program. Please understand that failure to complete requirements to program standards may result in removal from the program.

What hours will I work?

Each lab has its own culture and rhythm. You and your lab mentor will work out a specific schedule for you, which will include time spent working on your research project, attending lab meetings, etc. Generally you will start around 8 or 9 AM and finish at 4 or 5 PM. You will also receive time for lunch.

How will I get to my RET placement site?

It is up to you to arrange your own transportation to and from your laboratory placement if you attend your placement in-person.

I’ve read about the RET Symposium. What is that?

The RET Symposium is a time for RET teachers to share the research that they have conducted during the summer with others. You will present your technical research poster via Zoom at the end of the RET program.

I’ve read through this entire document and still have questions. Who should I contact?

Please contact Tiffany Lewis, STEM Education Outreach Specialist,tzs80@psu.edu.

CSATS 2023 Summer Research Experience for STEM Teachers

CSATS Summer Research Experiences for STEM Teachers Program

Dates: June 20 - August 4, 2023

Location: Online (In-person available depending on the placement)

Application closed - Check back January 2024!

FAQ

Questions about RET Eligibility

Questions about the RET Application Process

Questions about RET Selection and Acceptance

Questions about the RET Experience

Questions about RET Logistics

Additional Questions

Summer 2023 RET Programs:

Detailed Information

Upcoming Events:

Matthew Johnson, PhD