How STEM Teachers Can Immerse Themselves in the Three R’s Over the Summer: Rejuvenate, Replenish, and Reenergize

Published: 2020

Author(s):
Vassiliv, T.
Gardner, D. J.
Neivandt, D.

Publication Name: Science Scope

Publication URL: https://www.nsta.org/science-scope/science-scope-march-2020/how-stem-teachers-can-immerse-themselves-three-rs-over

Research Area:
Keywords:
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Abstract:

As each school year comes to an end, teachers often feel utterly exhausted and have an urgent need to rejuvenate, replenish, and reenergize before a new school year begins. The general public often believes that teachers take summers off to relax or supplement their income by taking an unrelated summer job, but a significant number of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teachers spend their summers working in laboratories and/or conducting field research as RETs (Research Experiences for Teachers). According to the National Science Foundation’s website (NSF 2018), the purpose of its RET program is to promote active collaborative partnerships between K–12 STEM teachers and full-time college and university faculty to enhance the scientific disciplinary knowledge and capacity of the STEM teachers through participation in authentic summer research experiences. These teacher experiences are designed to filter down to K–12 students through engaging classroom inquiries based on the teacher’s research experience.